Search Results (98)

Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products. Full article

Developing multifunctional wound dressings with excellent mechanical properties, strong tissue adhesion, and efficient antibacterial activity is crucial for promoting wound healing. This study prepared a novel nanocomposite hydrogel dressing based on sodium alginate-polyacrylic acid dual crosslinking networks, incorporating tannic acid-coated cellulose nanocrystals (TA@CNC) and in-situ reduced silver nanoparticles for multifunctional enhancement. The rigid CNC framework significantly improved mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 146 kPa at 1 wt%), while TA catechol groups provided excellent adhesion (36.4 kPa to pigskin, 122% improvement over pure system) through dynamic hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions. TA served as a green reducing agent for uniform AgNPs loading, with CNC negative charges preventing particle aggregation. Antibacterial studies revealed synergistic effects between TA-induced membrane disruption and Ag⁺-triggered reactive oxygen species generation, achieving >99.5% inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The TA@CNC-regulated porous structure balanced swelling performance and water vapor transmission, facilitating wound exudate management and moist healing. This composite hydrogel successfully integrates mechanical toughness, tissue adhesion, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility, providing a novel strategy for advanced wound dressing development. Full article

This study develops a one-pot anodic templating electrodeposition strategy using dual-cation-crosslinking and interpenetrating networks, coupled with pulsed electrical signals, to fabricate a vessel-mimetic multilayered tubular hydrogel. Typically, the anodic electrodeposition is performed in a mixture of sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), with the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid calcium disodium salt hydrate (EDTA·Na₂Ca) incorporated to provide a secondary ionic crosslinker (i.e., Ca²⁺) and modulate the cascade reaction diffusion process. The copper wire electrodes serve as templates for electrochemical oxidation and enable a copper ion (i.e., Cu²⁺)-induced tubular hydrogel coating formation, while pulsed electric fields regulate layer-by-layer deposition. The dual-cation-crosslinked interpenetrating hydrogels (CMC/SA-Cu/Ca) exhibit rapid growth rates and tailored mechanical strength, along with excellent antibacterial performance. By integrating the unique pulsed electro-fabrication with biomimetic self-assembly, this study addresses challenges in vessel-mimicking structural complexity and mechanical compatibility. The approach enables scalable production of customizable multilayered hydrogels for artificial vessel grafts, smart wound dressings, and bioengineered organ interfaces, demonstrating broad biomedical potential. Full article

Medical titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) is widely used as a surgical implant material in biomedical fields owing to its superior biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical performance, particularly for osseous integration applications. However, long-term contact of medical titanium-based implants with human soft tissues may induce infection and inflammation. To address these limitations, a drug-loading gel was designed to be synthesized on a TC4 surface to improve biointegration. Considering the critical regulatory roles of temperature and pH in physiological environments, this study synthesized a dual-responsive hydrogel using the temperature-sensitive monomers 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO₂MA) and oligoethylene glycol methacrylate (OEGMA) and the pH-sensitive monomer diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), employing stereocomplexed polylactic acid as a physical crosslinker and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a chemical crosslinker. A polydopamine-based initiator was synthesized via dopamine functionalization with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB). The amphiphilic co-network hydrogel was grafted onto a modified TC4 surface through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Integration of the drug-loading gel and TC4 gives the implant an “active therapeutic” function by localized drug release. The results demonstrated that the energy storage modulus of the double-crosslinked gel matched that of human soft tissues. The gels exhibited efficient drug release. Full article

Conductive hydrogels have important application prospects in the field of wearable sensing, which can identify various biological signals for human motion monitoring. However, the preparation of flexible conductive hydrogels with high sensitivity and stability to achieve reliable signal recording remains a challenge. Herein, we prepared a conductive hydrogel by introducing conductive Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets into a dual network structure formed by Zn²⁺ crosslinked polyacrylic acid and silk fibroin for use as a wearable capacitive strain sensor. The prepared injectable hydrogel has a uniform porous structure and good flexibility, and the elongation at break can reach 1750%. A large number of ionic coordination bonds and hydrogen bond interactions make the hydrogel exhibit good structural stability and a fast self-healing property (30 s). In addition, the introduction of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene as a conductive medium in hydrogel improves the conductivity. Due to the high conductivity of 0.16 S/m, the capacitive strain sensor assembled from this hydrogel presents a high gauge factor of 1.78 over a wide strain range of 0–200%, a fast response time of 0.2 s, and good cycling stability. As a wearable sensor, the hydrogel can accurately monitor the activities of different joints in real-time. This work is expected to provide a new approach for wearable hydrogel electronic devices. Full article

pH-sensitive hydrogels are important soft biomaterials as they mimic biological organisms by altering their properties in response to small pH changes in biological fluids. In this work, novel chitosan (Cs) hydrogels were developed using an innovative dual curcumin (Cur) encapsulation system. Cur was loaded into poloxamer 407 micelles and incorporated into citric acid (CA) cross-linked Cs hydrogels using a central composite design. The hydrogels were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological tests, and in vitro experiments, such as hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays. FTIR confirmed cross-linking between Cs and CA, while DSC suggested interactions between Cur-loaded micelles and the hydrogel matrix. Rheological analysis revealed gel-like behavior, with G′ consistently higher than G, and temperature influenced hydrogel properties. SEM showed a denser network when Cur-loaded micelles were incorporated, slowing Cur release. At physiological pH (7.4), 75% of Cur was released after 7 days, while 84% was released at pH 5.5, showing pH-responsive behavior. Cytotoxicity tests showed over 80% viability of VERO CCL-81 cells (0.2–20 ppm hydrogel). This dual-encapsulation system provides a simple and effective platform for loading lipophilic drugs into pH-responsive hydrogels. Full article

The decontamination of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from contaminated surfaces is of critical importance due to the severe threats posed by CWAs to human health and the environment, particularly given the persistent threat of chemical weapons since World War I. In this study, a novel UiO-66-NH₂ crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel was developed in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol under ambient conditions, leveraging the dual functionality of the amino-substituted zirconium-based metal–organic framework (Zr-MOF) as both a crosslinker and a catalytic site. The hydrogel demonstrated exceptional catalytic performance, achieving a degradation efficiency of over 90% for the chemical warfare agent simulant dimethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP) within 1 h. Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrated adequate mechanical and tensile strength for practical use, enabling easy peel-off from various contaminated surfaces without leaving residues. This peelable property, combined with its decontamination capabilities, highlights its significant potential for practical applications in the field of CWA decontamination. Full article

Chitosan is an attractive material for developing inks for extrusion-based bioprinting of 3D structures owing to its excellent properties, including its mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity when used in wound dressings. A key challenge in formulating chitosan-based inks is to improve its gelation property to ensure reliable printing and the mechanical stability of the printed structures. To address these challenges, this article presents a novel chitosan/oxidized glucomannan composite hydrogel obtained through the combination of Schiff base and phenol crosslinking reactions. The proposed biomaterial forms soft hydrogels through Schiff base crosslinking, which can be further stabilized via visible light-induced phenol crosslinking. This dual-crosslinking approach enhances the printability and robustness of chitosan-based ink materials. The proposed chitosan/oxidized glucomannan hydrogel exhibits excellent extrudability and improved shape retention after extrusion, along with antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli. Moreover, good cytocompatibility was confirmed in animal cell studies using mouse fibroblast 10T1/2 cells. These favorable features make this hydrogel highly promising for the extrusion-based bioprinting of complex 3D structures, such as tubes and nose-like structures, at a low crosslinker concentration and can expand the prospects of chitosan in bioprinting, providing a safer and more efficient alternative for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. Full article

For decades, endovascular embolization (EE) has been a common technique for the treatment of several vascular abnormalities where the affected vessel is occluded using biocompatible embolic agents. In this work, we developed a NIPAAm-based temperature responsive, dual-crosslinking biocompatible and non-toxic injectable hydrogel system as a liquid embolic agent for EE. The swelling and mechanical properties of the hydrogel were tuned and optimized for its in vivo application. The in vivo study was carried out with nine swine models, including three animals for exploratory study and six animals for acute confirmatory study for the occlusion of surgically created aneurysm and rete mirabile. The polymer hydrogel was delivered into the vascular malformation sites using a catheter guided by angiography. After the injection, the liquid embolic agent was transformed into a solid implant in situ via cross-linking through chemical and thermal processes. During the exploratory study, it was observed that one of the three aneurysms and all the RMs were occluded. During the acute confirmatory study, all the aneurysms and the RMs of six animals were successfully occluded. Overall, our study presents the construction and characterization of a novel injectable hydrogel system capable of successfully occluding vascular malformation in large animals. In the future, after further modification and validation, this material may be used as a liquid embolic agent in clinical studies. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by impaired barrier function and persistent inflammation, necessitating advanced therapeutic solutions. This study presents the development of a novel composite hydrogel scaffold composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin, and Cnidium monnieri (CM) extract, designed to address the dual challenges of tissue regeneration and inflammation suppression. Fabricated via optimized freeze–thaw crosslinking and lyophilization, the scaffold exhibited a highly porous structure conducive to enhanced cell proliferation and controlled bioactive release. FT-IR analysis confirmed robust intermolecular interactions among PVA, gelatin, and CM bioactives, while SEM imaging revealed a well-developed porous network. The UPLC analysis demonstrated the sustained release of key CM compounds, such as osthole and imperatorin, which contributed to the scaffold’s anti-inflammatory properties. Biological assessments using HaCaT keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ revealed improved cell viability and significant suppression of IL-8 expression, a critical marker in AD-related inflammation. These findings underscore the potential of the PVA/Gel/CM composite hydrogel as an advanced therapeutic platform for inflammatory skin disorders. Full article

Nowadays, large amounts of wastewater arise from various industrial applications. The discharge of wastewater into the environment represents a threat to the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Thus, in the present study, innovative double-network (DN) hydrogels with pH-sensitive features and applicability as adsorbents in the treatment of leather dye wastewater were prepared. The polyelectrolyte, poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA), was obtained via the radical polymerization process, while the supramolecular structure was co-assembled through physical interactions. As a novelty, the double network was obtained through the interpenetration of the supramolecular network in the cross-linked polymeric one. The new hydrogels were physico-chemically and morphologically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in terms of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling degree measurements, and dye adsorption studies. The DN hydrogels present interconnected macropores and high thermal stability. The swelling capacity of the dual network gels highlights a superadsorbent behavior at pH 3. Furthermore, the dye adsorption study highlights the effects of several variables (pH, concentration dose of adsorbent) on the ability of the gels to adsorb an anionic dye. The adsorption kinetics of the anionic dyes fitted the pseudo-first-order model (PFO). The estimated maximum adsorption capacities for the anionic dyes was 451 mg g⁻¹ for PDMAEMA and 545 mg g⁻¹ for DN gel. Full article

Conventional drug delivery approaches, including tablets and capsules, often suffer from reduced therapeutic effectiveness, largely attributed to inadequate bioavailability and difficulties in ensuring patient adherence. These challenges have driven the development of advanced drug delivery systems (DDS), with hydrogels and especially nanogels emerging as promising materials to overcome these limitations. Hydrogels, with their biocompatibility, high water content, and stimuli-responsive properties, provide controlled and targeted drug release. This review explores the evolution, properties, and classifications of hydrogels versus nanogels and their applications in drug delivery, detailing synthesis methods, including chemical crosslinking, physical self-assembly, and advanced techniques such as microfluidics and 3D printing. It also examines drug-loading mechanisms (e.g., physical encapsulation and electrostatic interactions) and release strategies (e.g., diffusion, stimuli-responsive, and enzyme-triggered). These gels demonstrate significant advantages in addressing the limitations of traditional DDS, offering improved drug stability, sustained release, and high specificity. Their adaptability extends to various routes of administration, including topical, oral, and injectable forms, while emerging nanogels further enhance therapeutic targeting through nanoscale precision and stimuli responsiveness. Although hydrogels and nanogels have transformative potential in personalized medicine, challenges remain in scalable manufacturing, regulatory approval, and targeted delivery. Future strategies include integrating biosensors for real-time monitoring, developing dual-stimuli-responsive systems, and optimizing surface functionalization for specificity. These advancements aim to establish hydrogels and nanogels as cornerstones of next-generation therapeutic solutions, revolutionizing drug delivery, and paving the way for innovative, patient-centered treatments. Full article

An imbalance in the body’s pH or temperature may modify the immune response and result in ailments such as autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, or diabetes. Dual pH- and thermo-responsive carriers are being evaluated as advanced drug delivery microdevices designed to release pharmaceuticals in response to external or internal stimuli. A novel drug delivery system formulated as hydrogel was developed by combining a pH-sensitive polymer (the “biosensor”) with a thermosensitive polymer (the delivery component). Thus, the hydrogel was created by cross-linking, using a solvent-free thermal approach, of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroyethyl acrylamide), P(NIPAAm-co-HEAAm), and poly(methylvinylether-alt-maleic acid), P(MVE/MA). The chemical structure of the polymers and hydrogels was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopies. The pH/thermosensitive hydrogel loses its thermosensitivity under physiological conditions but, remarkably, can recover the thermosensitive capabilities when certain physiologically active biomolecules, acting as triggering agents, electrostatically interact with pH-sensitive units. Our research aimed to develop a drug delivery system that could identify the disturbance of normal physiological parameters and instantaneously send a signal to thermosensitive units, which would collapse and modulate the release profiles of the drug. Full article

Hydrogels, known for their outstanding water absorption, flexibility, and biocompatibility, have been widely utilized in various fields. Nevertheless, their application is still limited by their relatively low mechanical performance. This study has successfully developed a dual-network hydrogel with exceptional mechanical properties by embedding amino-functionalized polysiloxane (APSi) networks into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. This hydrogel effectively dissipates energy through dense sacrificial bonds between the networks, allowing for precise control over its tensile strength (ranging from 0.07 to 1.46 MPa) and toughness (from 0.06 to 2.17 MJ/m³) by adjusting the degree of crosslinking in the polysiloxane network. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits excellent conductivity (10.97 S/cm) and strain sensitivity (GF = 1.43), indicating its potential for use in wearable strain sensors. Moreover, at the end of its life (EOL), the sensor waste can be repurposed as an adsorbent material for metal ions in water treatment, achieving the recycling of hydrogel materials and maximizing resource utilization. Full article

The abundance of hyaluronic acid (HA) in human tissues attracts its thorough research in tissue regenerating scaffolds and 3D bioprintable hydrogel preparation. Though methacrylation of HA can lead to photo-crosslinkable hydrogels, the catalyst has toxicity concerns, and the hydrogel is not suitable for creating stable complex 3D structures using extrusion 3D bioprinting. In this study, a dual crosslinking on methacrylated HA is introduced, using cysteamine-grafted HA and varying concentrations of 2-hydroxy ethyl acrylate. The resultant hydrogel is suitable for extrusion 3D printing (or bioprinting), mechanically robust, self-standing, stable in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 °C for more than 42 days, has high water absorption capacity with a low swelling ratio (1.5), and exhibits self-healing and adhesive properties. Complex 3D structures like ears and pyramid shapes with more than 2 cm of height are 3D printed using the optimized composition. All the synthesized hydrogels have shown nontoxicity and cell-supportiveness. Loading of cells, tetracycline, and bovine serum albumin into the hydrogel led to better bioink properties such as cell attachment, growth, and proliferation for osteoblast cells. The test results suggest that this hydrogel is biocompatible and has potential for 3D bioprinting of self-standing structures in bioink form in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Full article