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Gels
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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering
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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 13685

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Filippo Rossi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy
Interests: colloids; drug delivery; nanogels; tissue engineering; transport phenomena
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a collection of papers, titled ”Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering”, invited for publication by the Editorial Board Members.

This Special Issue is designed to publish high-quality reviews or article papers dealing with the different issues covered by the journal. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • new process development of gels;
  • gel-based fiber spinning and electrospinning;
  • 3D/4D printing and printed gels;
  • gel bioprinting and biofabrication;
  • gel coating and films;
  • gel-related process control;
  • gel-related simulation and optimization of processes;
  • tissue engineering application of gels;
  • novel gel designs;
  • gel additive manufacturing;
  • gel dynamics;
  • gels used in industries such as food, cosmetics, and environments;
  • gel formation and processing technologies.

Dr. Filippo Rossi
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. 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

  • additive manufacturing
  • coatings
  • materials design
  • mechanical properties
  • physical properties
  • process control
  • process system engineering
  • scale up
  • tissue engineering

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3755 KiB  
Article
Development of a Sprayable Hydrogel-Based Wound Dressing: An In Vitro Model
by Mine Altunbek, Mert Gezek, Maria Eduarda Torres Gouveia and Gulden Camci-Unal
Gels 2024, 10(3), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030176 - 1 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3924
Abstract
Hydrogel-based dressings can effectively heal wounds by providing multiple functions, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and preangiogenic bioactivities. The ability to spray the dressing is important for the rapid and effective coverage of the wound surface. In this study, we developed a sprayable hydrogel-based [...] Read more.
Hydrogel-based dressings can effectively heal wounds by providing multiple functions, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and preangiogenic bioactivities. The ability to spray the dressing is important for the rapid and effective coverage of the wound surface. In this study, we developed a sprayable hydrogel-based wound dressing using naturally derived materials: hyaluronic acid and gelatin. We introduced methacrylate groups (HAMA and GelMA) to these materials to enable controllable photocrosslinking and form a stable hydrogel on the wound surface. To achieve sprayability, we evaluated the concentration of GelMA within a range of 5–15% (w/v) and then incorporated 1% (w/v) HAMA. Additionally, we incorporated calcium peroxide into the hydrogel at concentrations ranging from 0 to 12 mg/mL to provide self-oxygenation and antibacterial properties. The results showed that the composite hydrogels were sprayable and could provide oxygen for up to two weeks. The released oxygen relieved metabolic stress in fibroblasts and reduced cell death under hypoxia in in vitro culture. Furthermore, calcium peroxide added antibacterial properties to the wound dressing. In conclusion, the developed sprayable hydrogel dressing has the potential to be advantageous for wound healing due to its practical and conformable application, as well as its self-oxygenating and antibacterial functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering)
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15 pages, 2961 KiB  
Article
Biphasic Porous Bijel-Like Structures with Hydrogel Domains as Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
by Fabio Pizzetti, Giovanna Massobrio, Silvia Riva, Francesco Briatico Vangosa and Filippo Rossi
Gels 2024, 10(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10010072 - 18 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1728
Abstract
Bijels are a peculiar type of Pickering emulsion that have a bicontinuous morphology and are stabilised by a jammed layer of nanoparticles (NPs). Due to their double nature, their usage has increased in recent years in various fields, such as biological and food [...] Read more.
Bijels are a peculiar type of Pickering emulsion that have a bicontinuous morphology and are stabilised by a jammed layer of nanoparticles (NPs). Due to their double nature, their usage has increased in recent years in various fields, such as biological and food applications. In fact, they can release both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds simultaneously. An improvement to this structure is the use of a hydrophobic monomer like polycaprolactone as the organic phase, which is able to polymerise during the formation of the structure. Unfortunately, the structures formed in this way always have some drawbacks, such as their thermal stability or degradation when submerged in an aqueous medium. A number of studies have been carried out in which some parameters, such as the NPs or the monomer, were changed and their effect on the final product evaluated. In this work, the effect of modifying the aqueous phase was studied. In particular, the effect of adding alginate, a biopolymer capable of forming a stable hydrogel in the presence of divalent cations, was analysed, as was the difference between soaking or not in CaCl2, the final system. Specific attention was paid to their swelling behaviour (150% vs. 25% of the blank sample), rheological properties (G′ 100 kPa vs. 20 kPa of the blank sample) and their release performances. In this framework, complete release of hydrophilic drug vs. 20% in the blank sample was observed together with improved release of the hydrophobic one with 35% in 8 h vs. 5% in the case of the blank sample. This strategy has been proven to influence bijels’ properties, opening the doors to many different uses Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering)
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15 pages, 1521 KiB  
Article
The Development of a Novel Sodium Alginate-Based Edible Active Hydrogel Coating and Its Application on Traditional Greek Spreadable Cheese
by Aris E. Giannakas, Konstantinos Zaharioudakis, Eleni Kollia, Anna Kopsacheili, Learda Avdylaj, Stavros Georgopoulos, Areti Leontiou, Vassilios K. Karabagias, George Kehayias, Efthymia Ragkava, Charalampos Proestos and Constantinos E. Salmas
Gels 2023, 9(10), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100807 - 7 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2968
Abstract
The necessity of reducing the greenhouse effect by decreasing the carbon dioxide fingerprint directed the food packaging technology to use biobased raw materials. Alginates, which are derived from brown algae species, are one of the most promising biobased biopolymers for the development of [...] Read more.
The necessity of reducing the greenhouse effect by decreasing the carbon dioxide fingerprint directed the food packaging technology to use biobased raw materials. Alginates, which are derived from brown algae species, are one of the most promising biobased biopolymers for the development of edible active coatings capable of protecting food from oxidation/bacterial spoilage. In this study, sodium alginate, which was plasticized with glycerol and mixed with a biobased thymol/natural halloysite nanohybrid, was used to develop novel edible active coatings. Nanocomposite coatings were also developed in this project by mixing pure halloysite with sodium alginate/glycerol matrix and were used as reference material for comparison reasons. Instrumental analysis indicated a higher compatibility of a thymol/halloysite nanohybrid with a sodium alginate/glycerol matrix compared to pure halloysite with a sodium alginate/glycerol matrix. Increased compatibility resulted in improved tensile properties, water/oxygen barrier properties, and total antioxidant activity. These edible active coatings were applied to traditional Greek spread cheese and showed a reduction in the mesophilic microbial population over one log10 unit (cfu/g) compared to uncoated cheese. Moreover, the reduction in the mesophilic microbial population increased with the increase in halloysite and thymol content, indicating such sodium alginate/glycerol/thymol/halloysite hydrogels as promising edible active coatings for dairy products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering)
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18 pages, 6323 KiB  
Article
Drying Process of HPMC-Based Hard Capsules: Visual Experiment and Mathematical Modeling
by Chuqi He, Yucheng Yang, Mi Zhang, Kecheng Zhou, Yayan Huang, Na Zhang, Jing Ye, Moses Arowo, Bingde Zheng, Xueqin Zhang, Honghui Xu and Meitian Xiao
Gels 2023, 9(6), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060463 - 5 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1940
Abstract
Using plant-based polysaccharide gels to produce hard capsules is a novel application of this technology in the medicinal field, which has garnered significant attention. However, the current manufacturing technology, particularly the drying process, limits its industrialization. The work herein employed an advanced measuring [...] Read more.
Using plant-based polysaccharide gels to produce hard capsules is a novel application of this technology in the medicinal field, which has garnered significant attention. However, the current manufacturing technology, particularly the drying process, limits its industrialization. The work herein employed an advanced measuring technique and a modified mathematical model to get more insight into the drying process of the capsule. Low field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) technique is adopted to reveal the distribution of moisture content in the capsule during drying. Furthermore, a modified mathematical model is developed by considering the dynamic variation of the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) according to Fick’s second law, which enables accurate prediction of the moisture content of the capsule with a prediction accuracy of ±15%. The predicted Deff ranges from 3 × 10−10 to 7 × 10−10 m2·s−1, which has an irregular variation with a time extension. Moreover, as temperature increases or relative humidity decreases, there is an increased acceleration of moisture diffusion. The work provides a fundamental understanding of the drying process of the plant-based polysaccharide gel, which is crucial for enhancing the industrial preparation of the HPMC-based hard capsules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering)
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Review

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30 pages, 6814 KiB  
Review
Polymeric Nanoparticles and Nanogels: How Do They Interact with Proteins?
by Amirhossein Sadeghi, Shadi PourEskandar, Esfandyar Askari and Mohsen Akbari
Gels 2023, 9(8), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080632 - 6 Aug 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2600
Abstract
Polymeric nanomaterials, nanogels, and solid nanoparticles can be fabricated using single or double emulsion methods. These materials hold great promise for various biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and their ability to control interactions with body fluids and cells. Despite the increasing [...] Read more.
Polymeric nanomaterials, nanogels, and solid nanoparticles can be fabricated using single or double emulsion methods. These materials hold great promise for various biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and their ability to control interactions with body fluids and cells. Despite the increasing use of nanoparticles in biomedicine and the plethora of publications on the topic, the biological behavior and efficacy of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have not been as extensively studied as those of other nanoparticles. The gap between the potential of PNPs and their applications can mainly be attributed to the incomplete understanding of their biological identity. Under physiological conditions, such as specific temperatures and adequate protein concentrations, PNPs become coated with a “protein corona” (PC), rendering them potent tools for proteomics studies. In this review, we initially investigate the synthesis routes and chemical composition of conventional PNPs to better comprehend how they interact with proteins. Subsequently, we comprehensively explore the effects of material and biological parameters on the interactions between nanoparticles and proteins, encompassing reactions such as hydrophobic bonding and electrostatic interactions. Moreover, we delve into recent advances in PNP-based models that can be applied to nanoproteomics, discussing the new opportunities they offer for the clinical translation of nanoparticles and early prediction of diseases. By addressing these essential aspects, we aim to shed light on the potential of polymeric nanoparticles for biomedical applications and foster further research in this critical area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Gel Processing and Engineering)
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