Search Results (1,300)

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by the progressive destruction of periodontal tissues, where conventional therapies often fail to maintain adequate drug levels at the target site. This study reports the development and characterization of a thermosensitive gel containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for controlled local periodontal delivery. Apigenin (AP)-loaded NLC were prepared using AP as active agent and clove essential oil (CEO) as liquid lipid subsequently incorporated into Poloxamer 407 (5–15% w/w) hydrogels. The formulations were evaluated in relation to particle size, morphology, thermal and rheological behavior, mucoadhesion, in vitro release, antibacterial activity, and stability. Optimized nanoscale NLC showed a high entrapment efficiency, and uniform morphology. Raman analysis confirmed successful AP incorporation and homogeneous distribution in the gel without incompatibility. NLC-loaded gels exhibited sol–gel transition at physiological temperature with improved viscoelasticity and enhanced mucoadhesion. The drug release was sustained for 48 h and followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, indicating diffusion-based and anomalous transport. The antibacterial assessment demonstrated the pronounced inhibitory activity of the NLC formulations against key periodontal pathogens, with the formulation-dependent modulation of antimicrobial efficacy observed following the gel incorporation. Stability studies showed preserved nanoparticle structure and uniform dispersion. Overall, the thermoresponsive NLC-hydrogel system offers a promising strategy for prolonged, localized periodontal therapy. Full article

Hydrogels constructed from natural biomacromolecules with multifunctional properties, such as improved mechanical strength, ionic stability, biocompatibility, and ionic conductivity, are highly desirable for advanced food and biomedical applications, yet remain challenging to design. Although alginate is one of the most widely used hydrogel-forming polysaccharides due to its biocompatibility and gelation ability, its intrinsic limitations often hinder the development of hydrogels with fully optimized performance. This review provides a systematic comparison of alginate-based composite hydrogels formed with complementary biopolymers, including whey proteins, gelatin, pectin, starch, and chitosan, focusing on their synergistic effects on structural, mechanical, and functional properties. Recent studies are critically analyzed to elucidate how polymer–polymer interactions influence gel network formation, environmental ionic stability, and encapsulation performance. Particular attention is given to fabrication strategies and formulation parameters that enhance the immobilization and controlled release of probiotics, vitamins, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds. By integrating current knowledge on structure–function relationships and processing approaches, this review offers practical design guidelines for the development of multifunctional alginate-based hydrogel systems for applications in functional foods and nutraceutical delivery. Full article

Hydrogels are widely investigated as drug carriers for cancer therapy due to their ability to provide sustained release and reduce systemic side effects. In this study, MeBSA–PNIPAm hydrogels were developed as dual-temperature and pH-responsive systems for gastrointestinal delivery of 5-FU. MeBSA was successfully synthesized using glycidyl methacrylate and confirmed by FTIR and ¹H-NMR analyses. Hydrogels with varying MeBSA/NIPA ratios were prepared via redox polymerization. DSC results showed that increasing MeBSA content shifted the phase transition temperature of hydrogels, while TGA analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability with higher MeBSA incorporation. Temperature-dependent swelling experiments further demonstrated that the VPTT slightly shifted depending on the surrounding pH, indicating that the thermoresponsive behavior of the hybrid network is influenced by the pH-dependent charge state of the protein component. Swelling studies performed at 30, 37, and 40 °C and at pH 1.2 and 7.4 confirmed dual-responsive behavior. Drug loading efficiencies above 70% were achieved for all formulations. In vitro release studies at 37 °C demonstrated distinct composition-dependent release profiles. During the first 2 h, all hydrogels exhibited controlled and limited release without burst behavior under acidic conditions. Following the transition to pH 7.4, a composition-dependent increase in drug release was observed. GEL 4 achieved the fastest and highest cumulative release (91%), whereas GEL 1 provided the most sustained release over 72 h (32%). Kinetic analysis indicated diffusion-controlled release, best described by the Weibull and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. Cytocompatibility tests showed that fibroblast viability improved with increasing MeBSA content. Overall, protein-modulated dual-responsive hydrogels offer tunable and biocompatible platforms for stimuli-responsive gastrointestinal drug delivery applications. Full article

The development of inks with suitable rheological, physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties is crucial for the successful fabrication of functional scaffolds via extrusion-based 3D printing. In this study, collagen/chitosan hydrogels with varying polymer ratios were developed and characterized to evaluate their printability and suitability for cartilage tissue engineering. Rheological analyses revealed that all samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior and solid-like viscoelasticity, with the formulation of an 80:20 COL/CHI ratio (20CHI) demonstrating optimal filament formation and dimensional stability. Physicochemical analyses confirmed the preservation of the collagen triple helix and the formation of hydrogen bonding between chitosan and collagen. 20CHI scaffolds showed swelling capacity and high cohesiveness. In vitro studies confirmed the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds with murine fibroblasts and the ability of the scaffolds to promote adhesion, proliferation, and extracellular matrix production of both chondrocytes and adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs). Quantification of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) indicated sustained matrix deposition over 28 days, particularly by chondrocytes. These findings demonstrate that 20CHI hydrogel is a promising candidate for 3D printing of biomimetic scaffolds for cartilage regeneration. Full article

Bigels (BGs) are promising biphasic systems for extrusion-based 3D food printing inks. In this study, BG inks were formulated by combining a 6% beeswax—4% monoglycerides oleogel (OG) with a 4% gelatin—1% guar gum hydrogel (HG). The BGs were formulated at OG:HG ratios of 10:90 up to 50:50. The effect of the OG:HG ratio on appearance, microstructure, extrusion, rheological and thermal characteristics was investigated to assess printability and shape fidelity. All formulations showed no signs of phase separation during storage, while changes in color were observed with increasing OG content, suggesting modifications in phase distribution and light-scattering behavior. Increasing the OG content induced a transition from OG-in-HG systems to a bicontinuous structure at a 50:50 ratio. All inks showed shear-thinning behavior (G′ > G″) and viscoelastic properties suitable for 3D printing. BG with intermediate OG contents displayed moderate extrusion forces (7.27–9.00 N) and improved structural recovery (up to ≈60%), consistent with desirable printability and appropriate yield/flow points to ensure shape fidelity after deposition. Thermal analysis further confirmed the coexistence of OG and HG phases, ensuring structural integrity at printing temperature. These findings demonstrate the potential of BG as tunable, fat-reduced inks for 3D food structuring. Full article

Chronic diabetic wounds are challenging to treat due to persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis, and dysregulated matrix remodelling. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) has emerged as a therapeutic mediator with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties; however, its clinical translation is limited by volatility and a short biological half-life. Controlled delivery systems, such as hydrogels, are therefore required to harness its potential. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate (Na-AMPS)-based adhesive hydrogel incorporating AP39, a mitochondria-targeted H₂S donor, for sustained localised delivery and promotion of wound healing. Hydrogel formulations were characterised for rheological behaviour, adhesion, swelling, and AP39 release. Cytocompatibility was assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs); human dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa); and keratinocytes. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and matrix-modulatory effects were evaluated via interleukin-6 and 8 (IL-6/IL-8) secretion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Functional wound healing activity was assessed using tube formation and scratch assays in endothelial cells. AP39-loaded hydrogels exhibited predominantly elastic, shear-thinning behaviour, strong adhesion, rapid hydration, and sustained release of AP39 (11.63 ± 1.20% over 24 h). Across all cell types, 500 nM concentrations of AP39 were well tolerated. In diabetic-like stress conditions, AP39 significantly decreased ROS in HUVECs (50122 ± 5999 to 33,087 ± 1865 AU; p < 0.0001) and HDFa cells (41,367 ± 4225 to 29,813 ± 2406 AU; p < 0.0001). AP39 improved mitochondrial membrane potential in both cell types (p < 0.01–0.001) and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. IL-6 decreased in HUVECs (96.05 ± 4.22 pg/mL to 60.99 ± 4.21 pg/mL; p < 0.0001) and HDFa cells (77.54 ± 8.94 pg/mL to 52.25 ± 6.78 pg/mL; p < 0.001), whilst in HDFa cells, MMP-9 was reduced (419.4 ± 25.51 pg/mL to 174 ± 15.1 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Finally, wound closure was enhanced in HUVECs. The AP39-loaded Na-AMPS hydrogel represents a multifunctional wound dressing capable of controlled H₂S delivery, mechanical stability, and biological activity to support tissue repair in diabetic wound environments. These results highlight this gel’s therapeutic potential for diabetic wound treatment. Full article

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) therapy frequently produces acute and chronic injury to the oral mucosa, including surgical lining defects and radiochemotherapy-associated oral mucositis (OM). Beyond pain and ulceration, these injuries compromise nutrition, speech, oral hygiene, and feasibility of dental/implant rehabilitation, and may disrupt oncologic treatment delivery. The oral cavity imposes stringent constraints on regenerative biomaterials—continuous salivary flow, high microbial load, and repeated mechanical shear—such that clinical success depends on reliable mucoadhesion/wet adhesion, barrier function, mechanical compliance, and safe, spatially confined bioactivity. This PRISMA-informed evidence-mapped structured narrative review provides an evidence map and structured qualitative synthesis of hydrogel and scaffold platforms relevant to post-OSCC care, spanning clinically used mucoadhesive barrier formulations through emerging wet-adhesive multifunctional patches, acellular matrices, and tissue-engineered oral mucosa (TEOM) constructs. Clinically, the strongest evidence base remains barrier-forming gels and liquids that reduce OM pain and improve oral function during active therapy, establishing performance benchmarks for intraoral retention and patient-reported benefit. Preclinical studies are rapidly expanding toward multifunctional designs that integrate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, pro-epithelialization, and pro-angiogenic cues. However, a pervasive limitation is the inconsistent use of OSCC-relevant models (e.g., irradiated/xerostomic tissue beds), standardized functional endpoints (e.g., oral intake, durability under mastication, and neurosensory outcomes), and explicit oncologic safety evaluation, which severely compromises translational validity. For reconstructive applications, dermal matrices and early TEOM reports suggest feasibility for selected defects, but controlled comparative trials and scalable manufacturing pathways remain limited. Translational priorities include oncologic-by-design bioactivity (time-limited, locally confined cues), clinically anchored outcome reporting, and quality-by-design manufacturing aligned with device/combination/advanced-therapy regulatory requirements. Full article

Background: Skin repair and skin wound healing are tightly regulated biological processes that require coordinated control of inflammation, redox homeostasis, angiogenesis, and tissue remodelling. In this context, natural extracts are increasingly recognized as sources of chemically diverse phytochemicals capable of modulating defined molecular signalling pathways that govern cutaneous repair. Methods: This review provides a mechanism-informed synthesis of current evidence by examining representative botanical sources, including Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Calendula officinalis, and Panax ginseng, which have been extensively investigated in preclinical wound-healing models. Rather than providing an exhaustive catalogue of plant species or individual compounds, the analysis emphasizes how distinct phytochemical classes interact with conserved molecular pathways involved in skin repair. Results: Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides influence inflammatory signalling pathways, redox-sensitive pathways, growth factor-mediated responses, and cellular migration, thereby supporting phase-appropriate progression of wound healing. Recurrent modulation of NF-κB, TGF-β, VEGF, and Nrf2 signalling emerges as a central mechanistic theme. Advances in dermopharmaceutical formulation strategies, including hydrogels and lipid-based carriers, may enhance local delivery and stability of phytochemicals; however, their translational value remains dependent on chemical standardization and mechanistic validation. Conclusions: This review provides a mechanism-informed synthesis of current evidence, highlighting how phytochemical diversity, molecular signalling pathways, and dermopharmaceutical formulation strategies collectively shape the therapeutic potential of plant-derived extracts in cutaneous wound healing and may guide future mechanistic and translational research in phytochemical-based wound therapeutics. Full article

Although the eradication of Helicobacter pylori is critical for preventing gastric cancer, current therapies often overlook the restoration of the gastric microenvironment, leading to a prevalence of delayed tissue healing and dysbiosis. Consequently, many patients remain in a persistent pathological state despite successful H. pylori clearance, presenting a major bottleneck in clinical treatment. This review summarizes recent advancements in gastric-targeted drug delivery systems, illustrating the evolution from a singular antibacterial approach to an integrated sequential strategy encompassing clearance, repair, and homeostasis reconstruction. We examine smart gastro-retentive and nanodelivery systems designed to overcome physiological barriers, highlighting formulations that extend gastric residence time and maintain local drug concentrations above the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for prolonged periods. Furthermore, we discuss spatiotemporally controllable biomaterials, such as Janus hydrogels and ROS-responsive carriers. These systems demonstrate distinct pH-dependent release kinetics and high stability in simulated gastric fluids, effectively preserving bioactive payloads to modulate the immune microenvironment. By facilitating the transition from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotypes, these biomaterials support epithelial regeneration. The review concludes with an analysis of postbiotics and the proposed holistic strategy, offering a promising therapeutic framework for mitigating the inflammation-to-cancer transition and promoting gastric health remodeling. Full article

Jojoba oil is a well-established skin-beneficial liquid wax with high value in topical formulations. Bigels, as preferred semi-solid dosage forms, serve as versatile platforms by incorporating hydrogels and oleogels to leverage their advantages and address their limitations. In this study, jojoba oil bigels were developed using sorbitan monostearate (20%, w/w) as an oleogelator and different hydrophilic bases, 1% Carbomer 940, 6% methylcellulose, or 20% Poloxamer 407 gel, with all concentrations expressed relative to the corresponding phase. Nine bigels were obtained by varying hydrogel-to-oleogel ratios (90:10–70:30). They were evaluated in terms of their organoleptic, microstructural, and textural characteristics. Both the hydrogel matrix type and the phase proportion impacted the studied properties. Carbomer bigels displayed the highest spreadability, methylcellulose formulations showed the greatest adhesiveness, and poloxamer systems exhibited maximum firmness and cohesiveness, with a comparatively more homogeneous phase distribution. The increase in oleogel content enhanced firmness and cohesiveness while modulating spreadability and adhesiveness in a hydrogel-dependent manner. Moreover, all designed formulations remained physically stable after centrifugation, but only those containing 80% carbomer gel or 70% or 80% poloxamer gel preserved their mechanical characteristics without significant changes after freeze-thawing. Besides identifying three promising biphasic dermal drug delivery platforms, these findings reinforce the tunability of bigels through the careful component selection. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hemp protein addition on the structural, rheological, textural, color, and bioactive properties of gelatin hydrogels. Composite systems containing 0–20% hemp protein were analyzed to clarify the mechanism of interaction with the gelatin matrix and to determine whether hemp protein acts as a passive filler or an active structure-forming component. In all formulations, the gelatin concentration was kept constant at 5% (w/w), while hemp protein was added at increasing levels without replacing the gelatin phase, resulting in systems with increasing total solid content. The addition of hemp protein significantly enhanced water-holding capacity and gel strength, as confirmed by rheological measurements and texture profile analysis. Thermorheological analysis revealed a gradual transition from a classic thermoreversible gelatin gel to reinforced composite networks, with the viscoelastic response increasingly governed by the hemp protein structure at higher concentrations (15–20%). Frequency- and amplitude-sweep tests demonstrated improved mechanical stability and reduced frequency dependence. FTIR analysis indicated reorganization of hydrogen bonding and an increasing contribution of hydrophobic interactions related to the lipid fraction of hemp protein. Furthermore, the addition of hemp protein led to a marked increase in antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) and significant changes in color parameters. These results demonstrate that hemp protein functions as an active structural and functional component in gelatin hydrogels, enabling the development of materials with tailored mechanical properties and enhanced bioactivity. Full article

Background: Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although widely studied for internal therapeutic applications, its topical use—especially in hydrogel-based systems—has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to develop sodium alginate hydrogels containing Artemisia annua extract, supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol, and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics as well as their biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Select bioactive constituents of the Artemisia annua extract were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking sodium alginate with a calcium carbonate–glucono-delta-lactone system and were formulated with or without hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol. Physicochemical evaluations included measurements of moisture content, water-retention capacity, gelation time, and pH. The hydrogel microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. Biocompatibility and regenerative effects were analyzed using cell viability assays and an in vitro scratch wound model on human keratinocyte cells. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined in rats with full-thickness skin excisions. Results: The extract contained high levels of methylated flavonoids and sesquiterpenes characteristic of Artemisia annua. Hydrogels supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol exhibited improved hydration stability and higher porosity. All formulations demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity, and those containing hyaluronic acid showed the strongest effects. The preparations were biocompatible and enhanced keratinocyte migration in vitro, with the combined hyaluronic acid–dexpanthenol formulation promoting the fastest wound closure. In vivo, Artemisia annua hydrogels accelerated wound healing by two to three days compared with untreated wounds. Conclusions: These results confirm the promise of Artemisia annua hydrogels for topical wound care and highlight the beneficial contributions of hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to their structural and therapeutic performance. Full article

Current wound healing strategies must confront numerous challenges. Helminth-induced immunomodulation offers a promising therapeutic avenue for inflammatory diseases and injury repair. However, research on the role of helminths in damage recovery remains limited. We utilized glycogen—a naturally occurring biomaterial—to encapsulate SJMHE1, a bioactive peptide derived from Schistosoma japonicum, and successfully developed a facilely prepared hydrogel formulation denoted as SJMHE1-gel. The properties of SJMHE1-gel, its effect on cell activity, and its performance in a murine full-thickness skin defect model were evaluated. The glycogen-based hydrogel exhibited a uniform pore size, excellent biocompatibility, and sustained release of SJMHE1. Topical application of SJMHE1-gel enhanced collagen deposition, promoted angiogenesis, facilitated the regeneration of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and accelerated full-thickness wound healing. SJMHE1-gel also promoted M2 macrophage polarisation and suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, SJMHE1-treated macrophages upregulate TGF-β, which in turn promotes the migration of L929 fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via the Smad3 pathway. Neutralization of TGF-β attenuates phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) levels and impairs the migratory capacity of both fibroblasts and HUVECs. Additionally, SJMHE1-treated macrophages upregulate VEGFA, thereby enhancing angiogenic tube formation in HUVECs. This easy-to-prepare hydrogel can regulate macrophage polarization, inhibit inflammation, promote angiogenesis, and accelerate collagen deposition, acting across wound healing stages to provide a novel therapeutic strategy. Full article

Heavy metal contamination remains a critical threat to water quality, particularly in effluents associated with industrial activities such as electroplating. This study presents an exploratory proof of concept for a simplified and low-requirement method to fabricate bovine serum albumin (BSA) hydrogels crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) as protein-based adsorbents for Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Co²⁺ removal. Hydrogel slabs were prepared using BSA concentrations of 20% and 25% (w/v) and GA in the 0.6–1.0% (v/v) range, with formulation adjustments guided by handling and aqueous stability. Swelling behavior was monitored for 23 days, and 0.9% (v/v) GA was selected to balance network expansion with hydrogel consistency. FT-IR confirmed preservation of protein functional groups in the crosslinked network, and TGA/DTG demonstrated multi-step thermal behavior consistent with hydrated protein matrices and a stabilizing effect of increased GA content. Metal removal tests at 50–100 ppm (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺) and 70–100 ppm (Co²⁺) showed rapid removal approaching equilibrium within the first hours and improved performance at higher BSA content, achieving maximum removal percentages of 99.258% for Cu²⁺, 80.733% for Ni²⁺, and 76.070% for Co²⁺. Adsorption behaviors for Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ aligned with the Langmuir model, while Ni²⁺ was better described by the Freundlich model. Although the scope is intentionally preliminary and limited to controlled synthetic systems, these results support GA-crosslinked BSA hydrogels as promising, easily fabricated adsorbents and establish a foundation for future studies on broader ion selectivity, competitive adsorption, and adsorption–desorption performance. Full article

In recent years, the global use of dietary supplements has surged, largely due to their appeal as tools for improving well-being and preventing disease. While these products may offer clear advantages—such as addressing micronutrient shortages and enhancing physical or mental performance—they also carry significant risks, including toxicity, potential drug interactions, and limited clinical validation. This paper explores the current body of scientific literature on dietary supplements, offering a nuanced analysis of their advantages and drawbacks, particularly in general and military populations. Drawing upon peer-reviewed studies, regulatory documents, and expert guidelines, the review outlines key safety considerations and presents practical recommendations for evidence-based use. In addition to conventional formulations, attention is given to the emergence of nutritional gels and hydrogel-based delivery systems, which are increasingly investigated as strategies to improve portability, gastrointestinal tolerability, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in high-demand civilian and occupational settings. These platforms illustrate a broader shift toward advanced supplement technologies and precision nutrition approaches. Full article