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Gels
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Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering
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Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Processing and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2024 | Viewed by 5942

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daihua Fu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
Interests: hydrogels; biomaterials; biodegradable implants; tissue engineering; electrospinning; smart biomaterial
Dr. Jieyu Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Interests: biomaterials; conductive hydrogels; wound healing; heart failure; biosensors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you and your collaboators to participate in the upcoming Special Issue of Gels on the topic of “Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering”.

Gels, or hydrogels, are colloidal systems composed of two or more phases commonly used in biomedical applications and usually consist of three-dimensional polymer networks and solvents. Due to their inherent biocompatibility, high water content, porosity, flexibility, and low immunogenicity, hydrogels have been widely used in biomedical fields. Examples of its application include contact lenses, biosensors, drug delivery systems, wound healing and tissue engineering. Polymer networks can be derived from both hydrophilic natural materials and synthetic polymers. Natural polymer hydrogels usually have good biocompatibility, but their applications are limited by their low mechanical strength and fragile nature. The mechanical properties of synthetic polymer hydrogels can be regulated by optimizing their molecular structure. However, their biological properties still need improvevment. In addition, by modifying the polymer network with stimuli-responsive groups or them compounding with functional components, we can obtain “smart” hydrogels. These are distinguished by their responsivness to different types of stimuli including thermal, light, magnetic field, chemical reagents, ultrasound and pH. The potential applications of these hydrogels in biomedical engineering need to be further explored.

This Special Issue, entitled “Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering,” aims to further explore the composition, structure, performance and biocompatibility of gels, providing the latest research progress into gel-based materials in biomedical applications. Academics and scholars from across the field are welcome to submit original research articles and reviews on this topic.

Dr. Daihua Fu
Dr. Jieyu Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • hydrogels
  • injectable hydrogels
  • cryogels
  • tissue engineering
  • wound healing
  • drug delivery
  • heart failure

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 10153 KiB  
Article
Agar Graft Modification with Acrylic and Methacrylic Acid for the Preparation of pH-Sensitive Nanogels for 5-Fluorouracil Delivery
by Ivelina Ivanova, Marta Slavkova, Teodora Popova, Borislav Tzankov, Denitsa Stefanova, Virginia Tzankova, Diana Tzankova, Ivanka Spassova, Daniela Kovacheva and Christina Voycheva
Gels 2024, 10(3), 165; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels10030165 - 23 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1216
Abstract
Agar, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has been modified by grafting it with acrylic (AcA) and methacrylic (McA) acid monomers, resulting in acrylic or methacrylic acid grafted polymer (AA-g-AcA or AA-g-McA) with pH-sensitive swelling behavior. Different ratios between agar, monomers, and initiator were applied. [...] Read more.
Agar, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has been modified by grafting it with acrylic (AcA) and methacrylic (McA) acid monomers, resulting in acrylic or methacrylic acid grafted polymer (AA-g-AcA or AA-g-McA) with pH-sensitive swelling behavior. Different ratios between agar, monomers, and initiator were applied. The synthesized grades of both new polymer series were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, TGA, DSC, and XRD to ascertain the intended grafting. The percentage of grafting (% G), grafting efficiency (% GE), and % conversion (% C) were calculated, and models with optimal characteristics were further characterized. The swelling behavior of the newly synthesized polymers was studied over time and in solutions with different pH. These polymers were subsequently crosslinked with varying amounts of glutaraldehyde to obtain 5-fluorouracil-loaded nanogels. The optimal ratios of polymer, drug, and crosslinker resulted in nearly 80% loading efficiency. The performed physicochemical characterization (TEM and DLS) showed spherical nanogels with nanometer sizes (105.7–250 nm), negative zeta potentials, and narrow size distributions. According to FTIR analysis, 5-fluorouracil was physically incorporated. The swelling and release behavior of the prepared nanogels was pH-sensitive, favoring the delivery of the chemotherapeutic to tumor cells. The biocompatibility of the proposed nanocarrier was proven using an in vitro hemolysis assay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering)
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19 pages, 13830 KiB  
Article
Chitosan–Polyethylene Glycol Inspired Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogel Templates Favoring NEO-Tissue Formation for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
by Angelo Keklikian, Natan Roberto de Barros, Ahmad Rashad, Yiqing Chen, Jinrui Tan, Ruoyu Sheng, Dongwei Sun, Huinan Liu and Finosh G. Thankam
Gels 2024, 10(1), 46; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels10010046 - 8 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1198
Abstract
Neo-tissue formation and host tissue regeneration determine the success of cardiac tissue engineering where functional hydrogel scaffolds act as cardiac (extracellular matrix) ECM mimic. Translationally, the hydrogel templates promoting neo-cardiac tissue formation are currently limited; however, they are highly demanding in cardiac tissue [...] Read more.
Neo-tissue formation and host tissue regeneration determine the success of cardiac tissue engineering where functional hydrogel scaffolds act as cardiac (extracellular matrix) ECM mimic. Translationally, the hydrogel templates promoting neo-cardiac tissue formation are currently limited; however, they are highly demanding in cardiac tissue engineering. The current study focused on the development of a panel of four chitosan-based polyelectrolyte hydrogels as cardiac scaffolds facilitating neo-cardiac tissue formation to promote cardiac regeneration. Chitosan-PEG (CP), gelatin-chitosan-PEG (GCP), hyaluronic acid-chitosan-PEG (HACP), and combined CP (CoCP) polyelectrolyte hydrogels were engineered by solvent casting and assessed for physiochemical, thermal, electrical, biodegradable, mechanical, and biological properties. The CP, GCP, HACP, and CoCP hydrogels exhibited excellent porosity (4.24 ± 0.18, 13.089 ± 1.13, 12.53 ± 1.30 and 15.88 ± 1.10 for CP, GCP, HACP and CoCP, respectively), water profile, mechanical strength, and amphiphilicity suitable for cardiac tissue engineering. The hydrogels were hemocompatible as evident from the negligible hemolysis and RBC aggregation and increased adsorption of plasma albumin. The hydrogels were cytocompatible as evident from the increased viability by MTT (>94% for all the four hydrogels) assay and direct contact assay. Also, the hydrogels supported the adhesion, growth, spreading, and proliferation of H9c2 cells as unveiled by rhodamine staining. The hydrogels promoted neo-tissue formation that was proven using rat and swine myocardial tissue explant culture. Compared to GCP and CoCP, CP and HACP were superior owing to the cell viability, hemocompatibility, and conductance, resulting in the highest degree of cytoskeletal organization and neo-tissue formation. The physiochemical and biological performance of these hydrogels supported neo-cardiac tissue formation. Overall, the CP, GCP, HACP, and CoCP hydrogel systems promise novel translational opportunities in regenerative cardiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering)
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16 pages, 3662 KiB  
Article
Biomimetic Gradient Hydrogels with High Toughness and Antibacterial Properties
by Mingzhu Zeng, Zhimao Huang, Xiao Cen, Yinyu Zhao, Fei Xu, Jiru Miao, Quan Zhang and Rong Wang
Gels 2024, 10(1), 6; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels10010006 (registering DOI) - 21 Dec 2023
Viewed by 968
Abstract
Traditional hydrogels, as wound dressings, usually exhibit poor mechanical strength and slow drug release performance in clinical biomedical applications. Although various strategies have been investigated to address the above issues, it remains a challenge to develop a simple method for preparing hydrogels with [...] Read more.
Traditional hydrogels, as wound dressings, usually exhibit poor mechanical strength and slow drug release performance in clinical biomedical applications. Although various strategies have been investigated to address the above issues, it remains a challenge to develop a simple method for preparing hydrogels with both toughness and controlled drug release performance. In this study, a tannic acid-reinforced poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (TAPS) hydrogel was fabricated via free radical polymerization, and the TAPS hydrogel was subjected to a simple electrophoresis process to obtain the hydrogels with a gradient distribution of copper ions. These gradient hydrogels showed tunable mechanical properties by changing the electrophoresis time. When the electrophoresis time reached 15 min, the hydrogel had a tensile strength of 368.14 kPa, a tensile modulus of 16.17 kPa, and a compressive strength of 42.77 MPa. It could be loaded at 50% compressive strain and then unloaded for up to 70 cycles and maintained a constant compressive stress of 1.50 MPa. The controlled release of copper from different sides of the gradient hydrogels was observed. After 6 h of incubation, the hydrogel exhibited a strong bactericidal effect on Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, with low toxicity to NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. The high toughness, controlled release of copper, and enhanced antimicrobial properties of the gradient hydrogels make them excellent candidates for wound dressings in biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering)
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18 pages, 3639 KiB  
Article
Bromelain- and Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Nanofibrous Dressings for Skin Wound Healing
by Yasaman Saghafi, Hadi Baharifar, Najmeh Najmoddin, Azadeh Asefnejad, Hassan Maleki, Sayed Mahmoud Sajjadi-Jazi, Alireza Bonkdar, Forough Shams and Kamyar Khoshnevisan
Gels 2023, 9(8), 672; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/gels9080672 - 19 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1954
Abstract
A cutaneous wound is caused by various injuries in the skin, which can be wrapped with an efficient dressing. Electrospinning is a straightforward adjustable technique that quickly and continuously generates nanofibrous wound dressings containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents to promote wound healing. The [...] Read more.
A cutaneous wound is caused by various injuries in the skin, which can be wrapped with an efficient dressing. Electrospinning is a straightforward adjustable technique that quickly and continuously generates nanofibrous wound dressings containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents to promote wound healing. The present study investigated the physicochemical and biological properties of bromelain (BRO)- and silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs)-loaded gel-based electrospun polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL/CS) nanofibrous dressings for wound-healing applications. Electron microscopy results showed that the obtained nanofibers (NFs) had a uniform and homogeneous morphology without beads with an average diameter of 176 ± 63 nm. The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis exhibited the loading of the components. Moreover, adding BRO and Ag NPs increased the tensile strength of the NFs up to 4.59 MPa. BRO and Ag NPs did not significantly affect the hydrophilicity and toxicity of the obtained wound dressing; however, the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria was significantly improved. The in vivo study showed that the wound dressing containing BRO and Ag NPs improved the wound-healing process within one week compared to other groups. Therefore, gel-based PCL/CS nanofibrous dressings containing BRO and Ag NPs could be a promising solution for healing skin wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials for Biomedical Engineering)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

1. Title: Hybrid Hydrogels Based on Silsesquioxanes with Biomedical (Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine) and Environmental Applications

Auhtors: Alexandra Bargan, George Știubianu, Adrian Bele, Mihaela Dascălu, Alina Soroceanu and Ana-Maria Macsim

2. Title: Hydrogel of Thyme-Oil-PLGA Nanoparticles Designed for Skin Inflammation Treatment

Authors: Camila Folle, Natalia Díaz-Garrido, Mireia Mallandrich, Joaquim Suñer-Carbó, Elena Sánchez-López, Lyda Halbaut, Ana M. Marqués, Marta Espina, Josefa Badia, Laura Baldoma, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria Luisa García

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