Search Results (81)

Background: During food processing and storage, traditional protein-based delivery systems encounter significant challenges in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of bioactive compounds, primarily due to their temporal instability. Methods: In this study, a nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared through the co-assembly of a self-assembling peptide, 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-phenylalanine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-phenylalanine (Fmoc-FRGDF), and hyaluronic acid (HA). The stability of this hydrogel as a quercetin (Que) delivery carrier was systematically investigated. Furthermore, the impact of Que co-assembly on the microstructural evolution and physicochemical properties of the hydrogel was characterized. Concurrently, the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and controlled release kinetics of Que were quantitatively evaluated. Results: The findings indicated that HA significantly reduced the storage modulus (G′) from 256.5 Pa for Fmoc-FRGDF to 21.1 Pa with the addition of 0.1 mg/mL HA. Despite this reduction, HA effectively slowed degradation rates; specifically, residue rates of 5.5% were observed for Fmoc-FRGDF alone compared to 14.1% with 0.5 mg/mL HA present. Notably, Que enhanced G′ within the ternary complex, increasing it from 256.5 Pa in Fmoc-FRGDF to an impressive 7527.0 Pa in the Que/HA/Fmoc-FRGDF hydrogel containing 0.1 mg/mL HA. The interactions among Que, HA, and Fmoc-FRGDF involved hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces, and hydrophobic interactions; furthermore, the co-assembly process strengthened the β-sheet structure while significantly promoting supramolecular ordering. Interestingly, the release profile of Que adhered to the Korsmeyer–Peppas pharmacokinetic equations. Conclusions: Overall, this study examines the impact of polyphenol on the rheological properties, microstructural features, secondary structure conformation, and supramolecular ordering within peptide–polysaccharide–polyphenol ternary complexes, and the Fmoc-FRGDF/HA hydrogel system demonstrates a superior performance as a delivery vehicle for maintaining quercetin’s bioactivity, thereby establishing a multifunctional platform for bioactive agent encapsulation and controlled release. Full article

Marine biomass represents a valuable yet underexploited resource for the development of high-value biomaterials. Recent advances have highlighted the significant potential of marine-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides in biomedical applications, most notably in drug delivery and wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on the extraction, processing and pharmaceutical valorization of these biopolymers, with a focus on their structural and functional properties that allow these materials to be engineered into nanocarriers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart composites. Key fabrication strategies such as ionic gelation, desolvation, and 3D bioprinting are critically examined for their role in drug encapsulation, release modulation, and scaffold design for regenerative therapies. The review also covers preclinical validation, scale-up challenges, and relevant regulatory frameworks, offering a practical roadmap from sustainable sourcing to clinical application. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive biomaterials and biosensor-integrated wound dressings, as well as to the ethical and environmental implications of marine biopolymer sourcing. By integrating materials science, pharmaceutical technology and regulatory insight, this review aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective for researchers and industrial stakeholders seeking sustainable and multifunctional pharmaceutical platforms for precision medicine and regenerative therapeutics. Full article

Innovative changes to our current food system are needed, and one solution is cultivated meat, which uses modern engineering, materials science, and biotechnology to produce animal protein. This article highlights the advantages of incorporating whey protein isolate (WPI) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) into hydrogel networks to aid cell growth on cultivated meat scaffolds. The protein and polysaccharide (i.e., alginate) components of the scaffolds are food-grade and generally regarded as safe ingredients, enabling the transition to more food-safe, edible, and nutritious scaffolds. The impact of WPI and varying properties on cell performance was evaluated; alginate concentration and the addition of proteins into the hydrogels significantly altered their stiffness and strength. The results of this study demonstrate the innocuous nature of novel scaffolds and reveal enhanced cell proliferation on WPI and β-LG-modified groups compared to standard biomaterial controls. This work serves as a stepping stone for more comprehensive analyses of WPI, β-LG, and alginate scaffolds for use in cultivated meat research and production. Full article

Radiation therapy, a highly effective cancer treatment that targets cancer cells, may produce challenging side effects, including radiation-induced skin tissue injuries. The wound healing process involves complex cellular responses, with key phases including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. However, radiation-induced injuries disrupt this process, resulting in delayed healing, excessive scarring, and compromised tissue integrity. This review explores innovative approaches related to wound healing in post-radiotherapy defects, focusing on the integration of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in protein/polysaccharide bioengineered scaffolds. Such scaffolds, like hydrogels, sponges, or 3D-printed/bioprinted materials, provide a biocompatible and biomimetic environment that supports cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions. Various proteins and polysaccharides are discussed for beneficial properties and limitations, and their compatibility with ADSCs in wound healing applications. The potential of ADSCs-polymeric scaffold combinations in radiation-induced wound healing is investigated, alongside the mechanisms of cell proliferation, inflammation reduction, angiogenesis promotion, collagen formation, integrin binding, growth factor signaling, and activation of signaling pathways. New strategies to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs by integration in adaptive polymeric materials and designed scaffolds are highlighted, providing solutions for radiation-induced wounded skin, personalized care, faster tissue regeneration, and, ultimately, enhanced quality of the patients’ lives. Full article

Hydrogels (Hy) were obtained with a ternary system of proteins (pea (P) or soy isolate (S) 2%), guar (0.5%), and xanthan gums (0.5%) and were subjected to thermal treatment (70 °C/20 min or 85 °C/15 min, or not) prior to structure formation. The FTIR spectra of the hydrogels and the turbidity test (spectrophotometrically red at 600 nm) were used for studying protein–polysaccharide interactions. Amplitude sweeps (0.01–100%) and flow behavior tests (0.1–100 s⁻¹) were conducted for structure analysis. Emulgels were obtained by emulsification of the Hy with 40% or 60% sunflower oil. The centrifugal stability and texture (TPA test) of the emulgels were assessed and SND_40% exhibited the highest hardness (5.30 ± 0.23 N). Based on the results, SND_40%, PND_40%, SD70_40%, and PD_70% were chosen as fat-replacing systems in biscuit formulation. The textural, color, and stability attributes of the reformulated samples were compared with a reference containing margarine. Increased hardness and fracturability were determined for the emulgel-based biscuits, while the color parameters were statistically similar to the reference. Thermal treatments applied to enhance protein–polysaccharide interactions increased the structural performances of some emulgels, while their application as fat-replacing systems should be further evaluated since no statistical differences were recorded in the sensory evaluation of the reference and reformulated biscuits. Emulgels with tuned technological properties have the potential to replace saturated fats in foods. Full article

Skin health must be ensured at all times in the case of wounds when the skin is subjected to traumatic actions that require multiple wound-healing measures. Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase biological process critical for restoring skin integrity after trauma. This study investigates the development and evaluation of a novel composite hydrogel formulated from collagen peptides extracted from the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo and hydroethanolic extracts from the brown alga Cystoseira barbata, both sourced from the Romanian Black Sea coast. Throughout the work, the characteristics due to the biochemical compositions of the extracts from the brown alga C. barbata and from the jellyfish R. pulmo are highlighted as important, emphasizing the content of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. Total phenol content was analyzed for three extracts from natural products. The biochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vitro wound-healing properties of the components and their composite (JPC-ALG) were assessed. The rheological behavior and optical microscopy studies of collagen hydrogels were prepared. The general mechanisms of wound healing with the involvement of polysaccharides and collagen peptides existing in all categories of extracts were highlighted. The study of the effects of JPC-ALG composites and individual extracts on fibroblast and keratocyte cell lines is also presented. Results demonstrated that the composite exhibited synergistic effects, enhancing fibroblast and keratinocyte migration and proliferation, key factors in wound closure. The findings support the potential application of this marine-derived bioactive composite as a promising biomaterial for wound-healing therapies. Full article

This review comprehensively explores natural polymer-based materials, focusing on their characteristics, applications, and innovations across different sectors, including medicine, the environment, energy, textiles, and construction. With increasing concern about resource depletion and pollution, biomaterials offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived products. The review highlights polysaccharide-based and protein-based biomaterials, as well as others, such as polyisoprene, rosin, and hyaluronic acid. Emphasis is laid on their compositions and attractive characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. Moreover, the review deeply discusses the ability of natural polymers to form hydrogels, aerogels, films, nanocomposites, etc., enhanced by additives for innovative applications. Future development trends of biomaterials in biomedicine, sustainable materials, environmental biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing are also explored. Their growing potential in these sectors is driven by research advances in emerging technologies such as 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology, and hybrid material innovation, which are proven to enhance the performance, functionality, and scalability of biopolymers. The review suggests several strategies, including improvement in processing techniques and material engineering to overcome limitations associated with biomaterials, thereby reinforcing their suitability and role in a circular and sustainable economy. Full article

Thermosensitive hydrogel, as a smart polymer material, showed great potential for application in the field of wound repair due to its unique external temperature responsiveness and excellent biocompatibility. Chitosan, a natural macromolecular polysaccharide derived from the deacetylation of chitin, possessed not only strong interactions with biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, but also unique biocompatibility and degradability. Chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels, prepared by compounding chitosan with surfactants, underwent sol–gel phase transitions at varying external temperatures, which provided an ideal healing environment for wounds. This comprehensive review was initiated by elucidating the sol–gel phase transformation mechanism underlying thermosensitive hydrogels and the intricate process of wound repair. In addition, this review provided a detailed overview of the prevalent types of chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels, highlighting their unique characteristics and applications in different types of wound repair. Finally, the challenges and development directions of chitosan-based thermosensitive hydrogels in wound repair were discussed, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for their future applications in wound healing. Full article

This work investigated how collagen addition affects the rheological and transport properties of agarose hydrogels. Collagen did not affect the rheological character of hydrogels (i.e., the overall shape of amplitude and frequency response curves) but changed their viscoelastic moduli and mesh size dependent on the concentration of both constituents. The diffusion coefficients of the oppositely charged model dyes eosin B and methylene blue were determined in all hydrogels and demonstrated a profound effect of electrostatic interactions. Comparison with similar work with fibroin addition showed that while the effects of these proteins on the viscoelastic properties of a polysaccharide network can be similar, their impact on network transport properties may be different. Full article

This study developed composite hydrogel scaffolds from chitosan (CS), silk fibroin (SF), and Aloe vera (AV) gel extract for cartilage tissue engineering. SF extracted from Nang-Laai silkworm cocoons showed high protein content (86.8%), while AV extract contained characteristic polysaccharides. Scaffolds with varying CS/SF/AV ratios were fabricated and evaluated for physicochemical and biological properties. Among all formulations, CS40/SF/AV (3.00%wt CS, 2.70%wt SF, 0.075%wt AV) exhibited superior porosity (72.23 ± 4.85%), pore size (79.57 ± 3.68 μm), and compressive strength, both in dry (6.67 ± 1.44 MPa) and wet states. It also showed controlled swelling (270%) and a stable degradation profile (55–57% over 21 days). FTIR and XRD confirmed successful component integration and semi-crystalline structure. In vitro, CS40/SF/AV supported chondrocyte adhesion, proliferation, and morphology retention over 28 days. Fluorescence imaging showed uniform cell distribution across the scaffold. These results highlight the CS40/SF/AV scaffold as a promising, biocompatible platform with optimal mechanical and structural properties for cartilage regeneration, offering potential for further in vivo applications. Full article

Gelatin, a water-soluble protein, shows unique gellification properties, which determine the active commercial availability of gelatin hydrogels in modern alimentary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. The traditional sources of gelatin for industrial technologies are pork and bovine skin and bones, which sometimes produce religious and some other restrictions. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the production of gelatin from alternative sources, such as raw fish materials. Unfortunately, fish gelatin is characterized by weak gelling ability and a decrease in gelation and melting temperature, which are a consequence of the amino acid composition and structural features of fish gelatin. One of the ways to strengthen the natural gelling properties of fish gelatin is the structural modification of gelatin hydrogels by the introduction of polysaccharides of various natural origins. We have studied the association of our laboratory-made fish gelatin with three polysaccharides, namely, κ-carrageenan, alginate, and chitosan, which have distinct chemical structures and gelling capabilities. Structural features of the studied systems were analyzed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We applied computer modeling of molecular interactions between fish gelatin and polysaccharides by means of molecular docking and molecular dynamics approaches. The existence of a correlation between the structure of gelatin-polysaccharide systems and their physicochemical properties was demonstrated by wetting angles (flow angles) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies of hydrodynamic sizes and surface ζ-potential. Full article

Objectives: Thermo-gelling hydrophilic polymers like PLGA–PEG–PLGA are known as injectable sustained-release depots for biologics, but they face challenges due to the occurrence of severe burst release. This study aimed to develop a strategy to avoid the initial burst release by pre-encapsulating proteins in polysaccharide microparticles through an aqueous–aqueous emulsion mechanism, thereby enhancing therapeutic retention and linear release kinetics. Methods: Five model proteins (G-CSF, GM-CSF, IGF-1, FVIII, BSA) were encapsulated in dextran microparticles, using an organic solvent-free aqueous–aqueous emulsion method. These particles were dispersed in a 23% (w/w) PLGA–PEG–PLGA solution and injected into a 37 °C release buffer to form a gel depot. The in vitro release profiles were quantified using ELISA and MicroBCA assays over 9–42 days. The bioactivity of the proteins was validated using cell proliferation assays (NFS-60, TF-1, MCF-7) and chromogenic kits. The in vivo pharmacokinetics of the FVIII-loaded formulations were evaluated in Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 5/group) over 28 days. Results: Protein-loaded dextran particles retained their structural integrity within the hydrogel and exhibited minimal burst release (≤5% within 30 min vs. >25% for free proteins). Sustained near-linear release profiles were observed for all the proteins, with complete release by day 9 (G-CSF, GM-CSF, BSA) or day 42 (FVIII). Rats administered with the thermal gel with FVIII–dextran particles showed a significantly lower peak plasma concentration (C_max: 88.25 ± 30.21 vs. 132.63 ± 66.67 ng/mL) and prolonged therapeutic coverage (>18 days vs. 15 days) compared to those administered with the thermal gel with the FVIII solution. The bioactivity of the released proteins remained at ≥90% of the native forms. Conclusions: Pre-encapsulation in dextran microparticles effectively mitigates burst release from thermosensitive hydrogels, while preserving protein functionality. Full article

Glycemic management in diabetes patients remains heavily reliant on multiple daily insulin injections, which often leads to poor patient compliance and an elevated risk of hypoglycemia. To overcome these limitations, injectable hydrogels capable of encapsulating insulin within polymeric networks have emerged as a promising alternative. Ideally, a single injection can form an in situ depot that allows prolonged glycemic control and lower injection frequency. This review summarizes recent advances in injectable hydrogels for controlled insulin delivery, focusing on the polymer sources, crosslinking strategies, and stimuli-responsive release mechanisms. Synthetic polymers such as PEG, PNIPAM, and Pluronics dominate the current research due to their highly tunable properties, whereas naturally derived polysaccharides and proteins generally require further modifications for enhanced functionality. The crosslinking types, ranging from relatively weak physical interactions (hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, etc.) to dynamic covalent bonds with higher binding strength (e.g., Schiff base, phenylboronate ester), significantly influence the shear-thinning behavior and stimuli-responsiveness of hydrogel systems. Hydrogels’ responsiveness to temperature, glucose, pH, and reactive oxygen species has enabled more precise insulin release, offering new options for improved diabetic management. Beyond glycemic regulation, this review also explores insulin-loaded hydrogels for treating complications. Despite the progress, challenges such as burst release, long-term biocompatibility, and scalability remain. Future research should focus on optimizing hydrogel design, supported by robust and comprehensive data. Full article

Soybean protein isolates (SPIs) have been widely studied because of their excellent gel-forming properties. However, their unstable gel structures and poor strength limit their applications in the food industry. To address this, konjac glucomannan (KGM) and oxidized chitin nanocrystals (O-ChNCs) were introduced into SPI-based hydrogels to enhance their mechanical properties. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating KGM and O-ChNCs on the physical properties and microstructure of SPI hydrogels, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. The rheological behavior test of the solution demonstrated that the viscoelastic properties of the sol were enhanced upon incorporating O-ChNCs and KGM. Scanning electron microscopy showed highly compact and uniformly distributed SPI hydrogels with the addition of O-ChNCs and KGM. Gel strength and textural property tests showed that the gel strength and gel hardness of SPI hydrogels with the addition of O-ChNCs and KGM were 102.57 ± 1.91 g/cm² and 545.29 ± 6.84 g. O-ChNCs effectively filled the SPI hydrogel network, while KGM enhanced physical entanglement between SPI molecular chains and formed intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Therefore, this study provides an important basis for the introduction of SPI-based hydrogels in the biomedical and food industries. Full article

The integration of natural extracts into gel systems has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance functional properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and therapeutic effects. This review underscores the remarkable potential of natural extract-enriched gels, which effectively combine sustainability with improved functionality. These bioactive compounds, sourced from plants and animals, encompass polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, chitosan, proteins, and polysaccharides. They provide an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic additives and find applications across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food packaging. Despite their promise, challenges remain, such as the variability in natural extract composition, the stability of bioactive compounds, and scalability for industrial use. To address these issues, innovative strategies like nanoencapsulation, responsive hydrogels, and AI-driven optimization have demonstrated significant progress. Additionally, emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and adherence to circular economy principles, further enhance the versatility, efficiency, and sustainability of these systems. By integrating these advanced tools and methodologies, gel systems enriched with natural extracts are well-positioned to meet contemporary consumer and industrial demands for multifunctional and eco-friendly products. These innovations not only improve performance but also align with global sustainability goals, setting the stage for widespread adoption and continued development in various fields. Full article