Search Results (586)

Lactase enzyme-based products experience challenges including residual lactose that result in lactose intolerance. The purpose of this study was to develop polyelectrolyte polysaccharide-enriched lactase-encapsulated liposomal hydrogel films as an edible coating of Perline Mozzarella cheese that delivers enzymes along with the product on the side of absorption in the small intestine. Coatings were investigated for shelf-life enhancement and in vitro enzyme release behaviour. Two different polymeric hydrogel film formulations were evaluated: lactase-encapsulated liposome-enriched chitosan (PCLLa) and lactase-encapsulated liposome-enriched polyelectrolyte chitosan and sodium alginate (CLLA). Lactase-encapsulated liposomes (mean particle size: 176 nm) were produced using 20% v/v lactase enzyme and 8% w/v lecithin using probe sonication. The edible hydrogel film coatings were applied on Perline Mozzarella cheese using the standard dip-coating method. Shelf-life characteristics of all samples were evaluated using pH, colour change, dry matter determination, microbial evaluation, and sensory analysis. CLLA coatings increased shelf life up to 60 days, displaying a pH of 5.48, continued normal colour, enhanced humidity balance, minimal bacterial growth, and the highest scores for sensory values when compared to both PCLLa (coatings) and the bare cheese substrate (control) samples. Furthermore, CLLA coatings provided greater stability for liposomes within the polyelectrolyte polymeric edible hydrogel film structure. Hence, the combination of liposomes with polyelectrolyte edible hydrogel films provides a novel strategy to enhance lactase enzyme encapsulation (for intolerance), stability, and delivering ability to the small intestine as well as improving the shelf life of coated cheese products. Full article

Naringenin (NRG), a poorly water-soluble flavonoid with anticancer potential, suffers from limited bioavailability due to low aqueous solubility and poor membrane permeation. In this study, NRG nanocrystals (NRG-NCs) were developed using an optimized antisolvent precipitation–probe sonication method and incorporated into a 20% (w/w) Pluronic^® F127 hydrogel for enhanced delivery. The optimized NRG-NCs exhibited a mean particle size of ~195 ± 5 nm, polydispersity index of ~0.20 ± 0.02, and zeta potential of −24 ± 3 mV. Percentage yield and drug loading capacity were 88.6 ± 2.3% and 78.4 ± 1.8%, respectively. Nanocrystal formation resulted in ~9-fold enhancement in saturation solubility compared to raw NRG. The NRG-NCs gel demonstrated rapid dissolution (~90% release within 120 min) and ~2.5-fold higher ex vivo permeation across the Strat-M^® membrane relative to pure NRG. The hydrogel exhibited suitable physicochemical properties (viscosity ~12,850 cP; pH 6.2 ± 0.1; spreadability 5.8 ± 0.3 cm) and maintained >92% drug content after 30 days of refrigerated storage. Mechanistic studies revealed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, characterized by increased intracellular ROS, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and elevated caspase-3 activity, confirming ROS-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, the nanocrystal–hydrogel platform significantly enhances the solubility, permeation, and pro-apoptotic efficacy of NRG, demonstrating its potential for skin cancer treatment. Full article

Hybrid supramolecular–nanocomposite hydrogels based on polyethylene glycol (PEG), β-cyclodextrin–adamantane host–guest interactions, and silica nanoparticles represent an important class of hierarchical soft materials with tunable viscoelastic and transport properties. This review critically analyzes recent progress in cyclodextrin–silica hybrid PEG hydrogels, focusing on the mechanistic coupling between stiffness, stress relaxation, and molecular transport arising from the interplay between reversible supramolecular crosslinks and nanoparticle-induced confinement effects. Particular attention is given to how host–guest exchange kinetics regulate dynamic bond rearrangement and affinity-mediated retention of hydrophobic cargo, while silica nanoparticles enhance mechanical reinforcement and modify diffusion pathways through tortuosity and interfacial polymer–particle interactions. The analysis highlights how nanoparticle size, loading level, and surface functionalization influence relaxation spectra and network topology, as well as how environmental stimuli may affect supramolecular bond stability and overall material performance. Comparison with alternative inorganic fillers and mesoporous silica architectures further clarifies the specific advantages of silica in achieving balanced mechanical stability and controlled transport behavior. Overall, current evidence indicates that hybrid CD–silica networks enable partial decoupling of stiffness, relaxation dynamics, and diffusion, although complete independence remains constrained by fundamental polymer physics relationships. These insights support the development of predictive structure–property frameworks for advanced biomedical and controlled release applications. Full article

The development of effective topical drug delivery systems remains a key challenge in wound management, particularly for bioactive compounds with limited skin permeability. In this study, a nanostructured bigel system incorporating sodium humate-loaded ultra-deformable vesicles (UDVs) was developed and evaluated for wound healing applications. Sodium humate-loaded UDVs were prepared using a thin-layer hydration method, and the influence of key technological parameters (phospholipid/glycerol concentrations, sonication time) on vesicle size and encapsulation efficiency was investigated. An optimized UDV formulation characterized by small particle size, high stability, and high drug encapsulation efficiency was selected and incorporated into a bigel composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel and andiroba oil oleogel. The developed bigels were characterized in terms of microstructure, physical stability, pH, spreadability, and rheological behavior, demonstrating suitable properties for dermal application. In vivo wound healing evaluation in rat wound models revealed that bigels containing sodium humate-loaded UDVs significantly enhanced wound closure and tissue regeneration compared to control and reference treatments. Histopathological analysis confirmed improved granulation tissue formation and complete epithelialization. Overall, the results demonstrate that the proposed UDV-loaded hybrid bigel represents a promising nanostructured platform for enhanced dermal delivery and wound healing therapy. Full article

Managing excessive water production in oil fields during primary, secondary, or enhanced recovery remains challenging. It increases costs and reduces hydrocarbon recovery, particularly in reservoirs with high-conductivity pathways such as high-permeability zones and fractures. Hydrogels are commonly used for water blocking and retention; however, their effectiveness diminishes at higher flow rates due to mechanical weaknesses and structural limitations. These problems are intensified under harsh environmental conditions, including high temperatures, salinity, and hardness. In this study, we investigate how altering the molecular suprastructure of preformed particle gel (PPG) can improve its effectiveness in shear-responsive water-blockage treatments, particularly when traditional PPGs cannot control rising flow rates. We enhance the shear-responsive mechanical properties of a composite PPG by increasing the density and diversity of intermolecular interactions. We use two different strategies: first, incorporating cationic groups into the polymer backbone to form a polyampholyte network with stronger electrostatic interactions; second, adding a linear anionic polymer to generate a secondary interpenetrating network that can undergo a coil–stretch transition under thermal and shear stimuli, thereby enhancing its own solvation and whole-network expansion. Molecular simulations provide an interpretation of the experimentally observed shear-thickening response and enhanced disproportionate permeability reduction at high flow rates. The water residual resistance factor of the improved PPGs deviates from the typical shear-thinning power-law behavior (n < 1) observed in conventional PPG, showing shear-thickening (n > 1). Tests reveal a strong ability to preferentially reduce water flow over oil, with Disproportionate Permeability Reduction increasing from 8 to 117 in the high-flow-rate zone. The enhanced strength and thermal stability also improve resistance to washout under high-pressure gradients. This research provides a novel approach to tailoring the microscopic architecture of PPGs to achieve selective, robust water blockage, offering a high-efficiency solution for complex reservoir environments. Full article

Biomaterials are engineered to interact with biological systems for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Among them, natural biomaterials offer important advantages over many synthetic polymers, including intrinsic biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. Silk fibroin, a fibrous protein derived mainly from Bombyx mori cocoons, has re-emerged as a particularly versatile platform because it combines favourable mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties with aqueous processing and tuneable degradation. In this review, we first summarise the key structural, physicochemical and functional properties of regenerated silk fibroin, including its mechanical behaviour, thermal stability, dielectric and piezoelectric response, optical transparency and low autofluorescence. We then describe how extraction and regeneration protocols are used to produce defined material formats—fibres and nanofibrous mats, porous 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, sub-micron particles, thin films and microstructured devices—and outline major functionalisation strategies, ranging from physical blending and encapsulation to covalent chemistry, genetic engineering of recombinant silk variants, and enzyme-mediated conjugation approaches. Building on this foundation, we critically examine biomedical applications of silk fibroin with a particular emphasis on (i) hybrid silk–fluorophore systems for bioimaging and biosensing (nanodiamonds, quantum dots and organic dyes), (ii) optical fibre, wearable and edible sensors for health and food monitoring, (iii) wound dressings and wound-sensing platforms, and (iv) tissue engineering scaffolds and drug-delivery depots. Finally, we discuss current limitations, including process variability, the trade-offs introduced by blending and cross-linking, and the challenges posed by non-degradable inorganic fillers and clinical translation. Together, these perspectives highlight silk fibroin’s potential and constraints as a multifunctional biomaterial for next-generation biomedical devices and theranostic systems. Full article

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

Cartilage regeneration remains an unmet clinical challenge. Despite the great advances in the production of hydrogels as support matrices for cartilage regeneration, the resulting mechanical properties remain low. Granular composite hydrogels appear as ideal candidates due to their injectability and modularity in design. Here, we report on the fabrication and characterization of heterogeneous composite granular hydrogels based on methacrylated chitosan (CHIMA) and gelatin (GelMA) microparticles supported by an interstitial methacrylated alginate (ALMA) matrix. Microparticles were prepared by an oil-emulsion method and their size and morphology optimized, resulting in CHIMA and GelMA microparticles of 10.8 µm (95% CI 9.2, 13.1) and 115.8 µm (95% CI 107.5, 137.6) in diameter, respectively. The microparticles were mixed with ALMA and crosslinked to form granular hydrogels that demonstrated reduced swelling and weight loss. The storage modulus increased from 33 to 66.4 kPa for CHIMA/ALMA hydrogels and from 11.5 to 19.5 kPa for GelMA/ALMA hydrogels when the particle concentration increased from 10 to 50%, and was higher than traditional ALMA hydrogels. Hydrogels of 50:50 CHIMA:GelMA permitted a 6.6-fold increase in cell number after 28 days of culture, and promoted the chondrogenic differentiation of embedded mouse mesenchymal stem cells with a glycosaminoglycan deposition of over 15 µg and the expression of chondrogenic markers. Full article

Properties of composite materials with polymer matrix and inorganic filler are affected by preparation methods and starting components’ properties. For example, filler powder particle size distribution, phase composition and presence/absence of dopants can greatly affect properties of resulting composites. The present research attempts to clarify the influence of synthetic CaCO₃ powder properties on alginate/CaCO₃ composite material preparation process. Composite materials in the form of granules, networks and films were created from suspensions of synthetic powders of calcium carbonates CaCO₃ in aqueous solutions of sodium alginate. Powders of calcium carbonates CaCO₃ were synthesized from 0.5 M aqueous solutions of calcium chloride CaCl₂ and aqueous solutions of potassium K₂CO₃ (at molar ratio Ca/CO₃ = 1), sodium Na₂CO₃ (at molar ratio Ca/CO₃ = 1), and ammonium (NH₄)₂CO₃ (at molar ratios Ca/CO₃ = 1 and Ca/CO₃ = 0.5) carbonates. Phase composition of powder synthesized from CaCl₂ and K₂CO₃ was presented by calcite. Phase composition of powders synthesized from other soluble carbonates included calcite and vaterite. The powder preparation protocol excluded the stage of synthesized powder washing for by-product removal. This preparation protocol provided preservation of reaction by-product in the synthesized powder at a very low level. The presence of NH₄Cl as a reaction by-product even in small quantities can be taken as a reason for visually observed subsequences of cross-linking reaction at the stage of suspensions preparation. Aqueous solution of sodium alginate and suspensions containing powders synthesized from potassium K₂CO₃ and sodium Na₂CO₃ carbonates demonstrated similar dependence of viscosities from shear rate. The presence of (NH₄)₂CO₃ in the powder synthesized at molar ratio Ca/CO₃ = 0.5 was the reason for the lower viscosity of the suspension in comparison with suspensions loaded with powders containing KCl, NaCl and (NH₄)₂Cl as reaction by-products due to decomposition of unstable (NH₄)₂CO₃ and gas phase formation. The presence of (NH₄)₂Cl in the powder synthesized at molar ratio Ca/CO₃ = 1 in contrast was a reason for the highest viscosity suspension in comparison with those under investigation. Additionally, (NH₄)₂Cl presence in synthetic powders shows the ability to facilitate partial dissolution of CaCO₃ providing a higher concentration of Ca²⁺ cations at the stage of suspension preparation, thus aiding the cross-linking process of alginate hydrogel. Granules, meshes and films were created via interaction of suspensions of calcium carbonates CaCO₃ in aqueous solutions of sodium alginate with 0.25 M aqueous solutions of calcium chloride CaCl₂ to provide the formation of matrix of composites via Ca-crosslinking of sodium alginate followed by washing and freeze drying under deep vacuum. The created composite materials in the form of granules, meshes and films based on Ca-cross-linked alginate and powders of synthetic calcium carbonate can be recommended for skin wound and bone defect treatment and drug delivery carriers. Full article

Ensuring efficient nutrient delivery and waste removal within the interior of three-dimensional (3D) cultures remains a major challenge in tissue engineering. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept methodology that creates internally distributed driving sources to enhance diffusion and perfusion within 3D constructs. Iron microparticles or iron-containing microtubes were incorporated into collagen gels used for the 3D culture of dermal or cardiac fibroblasts, and cyclic dynamic magnetic fields were applied to the constructs. Oscillatory motion of the iron particles enhanced diffusion within the gels, as evidenced by increases in the fast diffusion coefficient of more than threefold and the slow diffusion coefficient of more than tenfold under conditions suitable for cell culture. In cardiac fibroblast cultures, this enhancement significantly increased proliferation by approximately twofold and reduced cytotoxicity by half compared with controls. In contrast, no significant effects were observed in dermal fibroblast cultures. Cyclic compression of microtubes within the collagen gels induced by dynamic magnetic fields primarily resulted in cellular morphological changes, including a reduction in cell area to approximately 0.8-fold of the control values, increased cell polarization with the cellular aspect ratio rising from 1.4 to 1.9, and preferred cell orientations either parallel or perpendicular to the microtube axis. Together, these results suggest that this methodology has the potential to be developed as an effective strategy for improving diffusivity in 3D metabolic environments and for promoting angiogenesis in hydrogel-based cultures. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that interacts dynamically with host cells within structured tissue environments. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures do not fully recapitulate these spatial and microenvironmental features. In this study, we established a three-dimensional (3D) culture system using the self-assembling peptide RADA16-I to generate an extracellular matrix–mimetic hydrogel scaffold. This platform supported the formation of stable Vero cell spheroids that remained viable for more than 30 days. Following HSV-1 infection, viral spread initiated at the spheroid periphery and progressively extended toward the core. Sustained viral replication was detected for up to 22 days, indicating long-term maintenance of infection within the 3D structure. Ultrastructural examination identified viral particles and vesicular compartments consistent with autophagy-related organelles. Comparative analysis of autophagy-associated markers revealed distinct temporal patterns between 2D monolayer cultures and 3D spheroids. In the 3D system, LC3B-II levels progressively increased, accompanied by a reduction in p62, suggesting altered regulation of autophagic flux relative to conventional 2D conditions. These findings demonstrate that the RADA16-I-based 3D culture model supports prolonged HSV-1 infection and reproduces key spatial features of viral dissemination. The differential autophagic responses observed between 2D and 3D systems highlight the influence of cellular architecture on host–virus interactions and support the application of 3D culture platforms for mechanistic studies of HSV-1 pathogenesis. Full article

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, also referred to as “smart” hydrogels, have emerged as versatile platforms for a wide range of biological and biomedical applications owing to their tunable physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties. Their adaptability arises from both their ability to undergo reversible swelling–deswelling and volume phase transitions in response to specific physicochemical or biological stimuli and the diversity of synthesis strategies that enable precise tailoring of material properties to meet distinct biomedical demands. Recent advances have led to the development of novel hydrogel designs with improved swelling–deswelling behavior, enhanced stimulus sensitivity, and superior biocompatibility, thereby expanding their applicability in complex biological environments. Despite this progress, challenges such as precise control over hydrogel size and relatively slow response kinetics remain critical barriers to broader biomedical and clinical translation. Addressing these limitations requires strategies, including reducing hydrogel particle dimensions to accelerate response rates and engineering heterogeneous or highly porous gel architectures to increase functional surface area. This review provides a comprehensive classification of stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on their physical properties and response mechanisms, and summarizes recent innovations in their design, synthesis, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, it discusses emerging approaches to enhance the clinical applicability of smart hydrogels in controlled drug release, targeted gene delivery, biosensor development, and tissue engineering. Overall, continued optimization of swelling–deswelling characteristics and material design will be essential to fully realize the potential of stimuli-responsive hydrogels in precision medicine and advanced therapeutic applications. Full article

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis represent a major public health challenge due to their high resistance and involvement in skin, wound, and soft-tissue infections. In this context, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated into Gluconacetobacter sp. bacterial cellulose hydrogel emerge as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy. Methods: AgNPs and hydrogels were synthesized and characterized using physicochemical and morphological analyses. Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) following CLSI guidelines, as well as by time–kill curve assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated through the determination of minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) using crystal violet staining, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Congo red agar method. Results: The hydrogel exhibited a three-dimensional microfibrillar structure characteristic of bacterial cellulose, while AgNPs showed rod-shaped, oval, and triangular morphologies, with particle sizes of 35 and 59 nm and positive zeta potentials. MIC and MBC values ranged from 6.25 to 50 µg/mL across all tested formulations and strains. Time–kill assays demonstrated significant bacterial population reductions after 6 to 9 h of exposure. MBIC values ranged from 0.78 to 50 µg/mL, whereas MBEC values ranged from 1.56 to >100 µg/mL. SEM analyses confirmed biofilm disruption, cell eradication, and a reduction in extracellular polysaccharides, particularly for AgNPs incorporated into the hydrogel. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the strong antibacterial and enhanced antibiofilm potential of AgNP-loaded bacterial cellulose hydrogel against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, supporting its potential application in infection treatment. Full article

Biodegradable hydrogel-based conductive inks, with application in additive circuit manufacturing, are synthesized from agarose, sodium alginate and functional carbon-based particles (carbon nanotubes and graphite). Rheological measurements are conducted to evaluate the printing performance of each ink. The synthesized functional inks are printed, and their conductivity properties are evaluated as a function of the functional material concentration. Promising conductivity values are achieved, demonstrating their potential application for low-cost and low-environmental-impact circuital and electromagnetic designs. Full article

To effectively prevent and control coal spontaneous combustion, a novel heat-sensitive hydrogel for mine fire prevention and extinguishment was developed using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and the organic flame-retardant, sodium alginate (SA). The hydrogel was prepared through single-factor variable control and material compounding. First, the optimal formulation of the hydrogel was determined using analytical instruments and techniques, including a viscometer, vacuum drying oven, and the inverted test tube method. Subsequently, its microstructural characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, a fire suppression test platform was established to perform comparative experiments, verifying the hydrogel’s fire prevention, extinguishing, and cooling performance. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimal hydrogel formulation consists of 2.5 wt% HPMC and 0.3 wt% SA. At this ratio, the hydrogel exhibits excellent fluidity and water retention, ensuring prolonged coverage and wetting of coal surfaces. The gel undergoes a sol–gel phase transition at 58 °C, enabling it to fill voids, bind and reinforce coal particles, and reduce exposed surface area. After drying, the hydrogel forms a uniformly smooth surface capable of both coating the coal body and encapsulating individual coal particles. Following the hydrogel treatment, the coal sample retains its original functional groups, indicating that no chemical reactions occur during mixing. Compared with traditional inhibitors, the hydrogel demonstrates superior fire suppression performance, more effectively covering and encapsulating burning coal. It rapidly reduces the temperature to 28 °C by the cooling effect of water evaporation from the hydrogel, and it maintains thermal stability, achieving outstanding fire-extinguishing efficiency. Full article