materials-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2022) | Viewed by 15442

Special Issue Editor

National Research Council, Rome, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; tissue engineering; drug delivey; rheology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogels are excellent materials that can swell in the presence of water or physiological fluids. Thanks to their peculiar properties, such as their high water content and the possible control over the swelling kinetics, hydrogels have attracted great interest in the biomedical field.

Hydrogels have been investigated for a wide number of biomedical applications, such as in cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

The current Special Issue of Materials is dedicated to overviewing the groundbreaking research related to hydrogels and their most relevant applications in the biomedical field.

We hope that the issue will bring new insights to the scientific community in an ever-expanding research field.

Dr. Assunta Borzacchiello
Guest Editor

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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • hydrogels
  • biomaterials
  • tissue engineering
  • drug delivery
  • regenerative medicine

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 2861 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Characteristics of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Modified with Equisetum arvense L. (Horsetail) Extract in View of Their Usefulness as Innovative Dressing Materials
by Magdalena Głąb, Anna Drabczyk, Sonia Kudłacik-Kramarczyk, Marcel Krzan and Bożena Tyliszczak
Materials 2021, 14(24), 7533; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14247533 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
This work focused on obtaining and characterizing hydrogels with their potential application as dressing materials for chronic wounds. The research included synthesizing chitosan-based hydrogels modified with Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) extract via photopolymerization, and their characteristics determined with regard to the impact of [...] Read more.
This work focused on obtaining and characterizing hydrogels with their potential application as dressing materials for chronic wounds. The research included synthesizing chitosan-based hydrogels modified with Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) extract via photopolymerization, and their characteristics determined with regard to the impact of both the modifier and the amount of crosslinker on their properties. The investigations included determining their sorption properties and tensile strength, evaluating their behavior in simulated physiological liquids, and characterizing their wettability and surface morphology. The release profile of horsetail extract from polymer matrices in acidic and alkaline environments was also verified. It was proved that hydrogels showed swelling ability while the modified hydrogels swelled slightly more. Hydrogels showed hydrophilic nature (all contact angles were <77°). Materials containing horsetail extract exhibited bigger elasticity than unmodified polymers (even by 30%). It was proved that the extract release was twice as effective in an acidic medium. Due to the possibility of preparation of hydrogels with specific mechanical properties (depending on both the modifier and the amount of crosslinker used), wound exudate sorption ability, and possibility of the release of active substance, hydrogels show a great application potential as dressing materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1871 KiB  
Article
Biomimetic 3D Environment Based on Microgels as a Model for the Generation of Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
by Juan Carlos Marín-Payá, Blanca Díaz-Benito, Luis Amaro Martins, Sandra Clara Trujillo, Lourdes Cordón, Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez, Gloria Gallego Ferrer, Amparo Sempere and José Luis Gómez Ribelles
Materials 2021, 14(23), 7121; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14237121 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1954
Abstract
The development of three-dimensional environments to mimic the in vivo cellular response is a problem in the building of disease models. This study aimed to synthesize and validate three-dimensional support for culturing monoclonal plasma cells (mPCs) as a disease model for multiple myeloma. [...] Read more.
The development of three-dimensional environments to mimic the in vivo cellular response is a problem in the building of disease models. This study aimed to synthesize and validate three-dimensional support for culturing monoclonal plasma cells (mPCs) as a disease model for multiple myeloma. The three-dimensional environment is a biomimetic microgel formed by alginate microspheres and produced on a microfluidic device whose surface has been functionalized by a layer-by-layer process with components of the bone marrow’s extracellular matrix, which will interact with mPC. As a proof of concept, RPMI 8226 cell line cells were cultured in our 3D culture platform. We proved that hyaluronic acid significantly increased cell proliferation and corroborated its role in inducing resistance to dexamethasone. Despite collagen type I having no effect on proliferation, it generated significant resistance to dexamethasone. Additionally, it was evidenced that both biomolecules were unable to induce resistance to bortezomib. These results validate the functionalized microgels as a 3D culture system that emulates the interaction between tumoral cells and the bone marrow extracellular matrix. This 3D environment could be a valuable culture system to test antitumoral drugs efficiency in multiple myeloma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3782 KiB  
Article
The Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Cross-Linked by Glyoxal
by Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska, Olha Mazur, Marta Michalska-Sionkowska, Krzysztof Łukowicz and Anna Maria Osyczka
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2449; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14092449 - 09 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2920
Abstract
In this study, hydrogels based on chitosan cross-linked by glyoxal have been investigated for potential medical applications. Hydrogels were loaded with tannic acid at different concentrations. The thermal stability and the polyphenol-releasing rate were determined. For a preliminary assessment of the clinical usefulness [...] Read more.
In this study, hydrogels based on chitosan cross-linked by glyoxal have been investigated for potential medical applications. Hydrogels were loaded with tannic acid at different concentrations. The thermal stability and the polyphenol-releasing rate were determined. For a preliminary assessment of the clinical usefulness of the hydrogels, they were examined for blood compatibility and in the culture of human dental pulp cells (hDPC). The results showed that after immersion in a polyphenol solution, chitosan/glyoxal hydrogels remain nonhemolytic for erythrocytes, and we also did not observe the cytotoxic effect of hydrogels immersed in tannic acid (TA) solutions with different concentration. Tannic acid was successfully released from hydrogels, and its addition improved material thermal stability. Thus, the current findings open the possibility to consider such hydrogels in clinics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
Hydrogels Based on Poly(Ether-Ester)s as Highly Controlled 5-Fluorouracil Delivery Systems—Synthesis and Characterization
by Adam Kasiński, Monika Zielińska-Pisklak, Ewa Oledzka, Grzegorz Nałęcz-Jawecki, Agata Drobniewska and Marcin Sobczak
Materials 2021, 14(1), 98; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14010098 - 28 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1725
Abstract
A novel and promising hydrogel drug delivery system (DDS) capable of releasing 5‑fluorouracil (5-FU) in a prolonged and controlled manner was obtained using ε‑caprolactone‑poly(ethylene glycol) (CL-PEG) or rac‑lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (rac‑LA-PEG) copolymers. Copolymers were synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) process of [...] Read more.
A novel and promising hydrogel drug delivery system (DDS) capable of releasing 5‑fluorouracil (5-FU) in a prolonged and controlled manner was obtained using ε‑caprolactone‑poly(ethylene glycol) (CL-PEG) or rac‑lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (rac‑LA-PEG) copolymers. Copolymers were synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) process of cyclic monomers, ε‑caprolactone (CL) or rac-lactide (rac-LA), in the presence of zirconium(IV) octoate (Zr(Oct)4) and poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG 200) as catalyst and initiator, respectively. Obtained triblock copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques; the structure and tacticity of the macromolecules were determined. The relationship between the copolymer structure and the reaction conditions was evaluated. The optimal conditions were specified as 140 °C and 24 h. In the next step, CL-PEG and rac-LA-PEG copolymers were chemically crosslinked using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Selected hydrogels were subjected to in vitro antitumor drug release studies, and the release data were analyzed using zero-order, first-order, and Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical models. Controlled and prolonged (up to 432 h) 5-FU release profiles were observed for all examined hydrogels with first-order or zero-order kinetics. The drug release mechanism was generally denoted as non-Fickian transport. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2048 KiB  
Article
Novel Eco-Friendly Tannic Acid-Enriched Hydrogels-Preparation and Characterization for Biomedical Application
by Beata Kaczmarek, Oliwia Miłek, Marta Michalska-Sionkowska, Lidia Zasada, Marta Twardowska, Oliwia Warżyńska, Konrad Kleszczyński and Anna Maria Osyczka
Materials 2020, 13(20), 4572; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma13204572 - 14 Oct 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2888
Abstract
Sodium alginate and tannic acid are natural compounds that can be mixed with each other. In this study, we propose novel eco-friendly hydrogels for biomedical applications. Thus, we conducted the following assessments including (i) observation of the structure of hydrogels by scanning electron [...] Read more.
Sodium alginate and tannic acid are natural compounds that can be mixed with each other. In this study, we propose novel eco-friendly hydrogels for biomedical applications. Thus, we conducted the following assessments including (i) observation of the structure of hydrogels by scanning electron microscope; (ii) bioerosion and the concentration of released tannic acid from subjected material; (iii) dehydrogenase activity assay to determine antibacterial activity of prepared hydrogels; and (iv) blood and cell compatibility. The results showed that hydrogels based on sodium alginate/tannic acid exert a porous structure. The immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) results in the biomineralization process occurring on their surface while the bioerosion studies revealed that the addition of tannic acid improves hydrogels’ stability proportional to its concentration. Besides, tannic acid release concentration depends on the type of hydrogels and the highest amount was noticed for those based on sodium alginate with the content of 30% tannic acid. Antibacterial activity of hydrogels was proven for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the hemolysis rate was below 5% and the viability of the cells was elevated with an increasing amount of tannic acid in hydrogels. Collectively, we assume that obtained materials make the imperative to consider them for biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 7236 KiB  
Article
Soft-Lithography of Polyacrylamide Hydrogels Using Microstructured Templates: Towards Controlled Cell Populations on Biointerfaces
by Andrés Díaz Lantada, Noelia Mazarío Picazo, Markus Guttmann, Markus Wissmann, Marc Schneider, Matthias Worgull, Stefan Hengsbach, Florian Rupp, Klaus Bade and Gustavo R. Plaza
Materials 2020, 13(7), 1586; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma13071586 - 30 Mar 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3012
Abstract
Polyacrylamide hydrogels are interesting materials for studying cells and cell–material interactions, thanks to the possibility of precisely adjusting their stiffness, shear modulus and porosity during synthesis, and to the feasibility of processing and manufacturing them towards structures and devices with controlled morphology and [...] Read more.
Polyacrylamide hydrogels are interesting materials for studying cells and cell–material interactions, thanks to the possibility of precisely adjusting their stiffness, shear modulus and porosity during synthesis, and to the feasibility of processing and manufacturing them towards structures and devices with controlled morphology and topography. In this study a novel approach, related to the processing of polyacrylamide hydrogels using soft-lithography and employing microstructured templates, is presented. The main novelty relies on the design and manufacturing processes used for achieving the microstructured templates, which are transferred by soft-lithography, with remarkable level of detail, to the polyacrylamide hydrogels. The conceived process is demonstrated by patterning polyacrylamide substrates with a set of vascular-like and parenchymal-like textures, for controlling cell populations. Final culture of amoeboid cells, whose dynamics is affected by the polyacrylamide patterns, provides a preliminary validation of the described strategy and helps to discuss its potentials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop