Gels for Oral, Maxillofacial, Dental Medicine or Cosmetic Use
A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 21
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biomaterials; gels; inorganic fillers; nanomaterials; antibacterial effect
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: biomaterials; enamel remineralisation; preventive dentistry; dental aesthetics; minimally invasive dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Gels are integral to oral, maxillofacial, and dental medicine, as well as cosmetic applications, providing both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. These formulations are widely used for oral mucosal healing, analgesia, antimicrobial action, periodontal therapy, and enamel protection. In dentistry, fluoride-based gels play an important role in caries prevention by enhancing enamel remineralisation, whereas desensitising gels containing agents such as potassium nitrate or calcium phosphate alleviate dentinal hypersensitivity. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory gels, incorporating bioactive compounds like chlorhexidine or metronidazole, contribute to periodontal disease management and post-surgical recovery by modulating microbial biofilms and inflammatory responses.
In maxillofacial medicine, gel-based formulations facilitate wound healing, minimise scarring, and support post-surgical tissue regeneration. Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels promote extracellular matrix remodeling and cellular proliferation, while silicone and vitamin E-enriched gels contribute to scar attenuation. Additionally, hydrophilic gels designed for burn and trauma care provide sustained hydration, fostering an optimal microenvironment for epithelialisation and tissue repair.
In cosmetic science, gel-based technologies have significantly advanced aesthetic interventions, including dental whitening, facial rejuvenation, and dermal augmentation. Hydrogen peroxide-containing gels effectively oxidize intrinsic and extrinsic dental stains, leading to improved tooth brightness. New approaches based on gels containing enzymes and natural bleaching agents represent the future of this field. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, delivered in gel matrices, restore facial volume, enhance hydration, and mitigate rhytides through viscoelastic and biointegrative properties. Furthermore, anti-aging gels infused with peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants support cutaneous regeneration, collagen synthesis, and barrier function.
Innovations in biomaterials science have led to the development of nanotechnology-enhanced gels that optimise drug delivery, improve bioavailability, and enable targeted therapeutic interventions. The advent of bioadhesive and controlled-release gel systems has further refined treatment efficacy, particularly in periodontal therapy and chronic wound management, by ensuring sustained pharmacological activity at the site of application.
Gel-based formulations represent a versatile, effective, and minimally invasive modality across diverse medical and cosmetic disciplines. Their continuous evolution—integrating biocompatible, regenerative, and stimuli-responsive materials—is advancing patient care, therapeutic precision, and aesthetic outcomes. Future advancements in smart hydrogels and bioengineered gel-based systems will further personalise treatment strategies, enhancing efficacy in oral and maxillofacial medicine.
Dr. Codruţa Saroși
Dr. Alexandrina Muntean
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 2100 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
- gel-based materials
- oral, maxillofacial, and dental medicine
- cosmetic
- smart hydrogels
- bioengineered gel-based systems
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