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Gels
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Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge
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Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 24944

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Naphtali O’Connor

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Lehman College City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
Interests: polysaccharides; polyamines; biomaterials; electrospinning; wound healing; antimicrobials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In Otto Wichterle’s 1960 Nature publication titled “Hydrophilic Gels for Biological Use”, he proposed the use of pHEMA hydrogels for soft contact lenses and other biomedical applications. Since then the utilization of hydrogels has grown into well-developed commercial and research arenas. Hydrogels are now commercially available as soft contact lenses, wound dressings and diaper absorbents to name a few. Current hydrogel research holds the promise of biomedical advances that include controlled drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Exciting new methods are being explored to deploy hydrogels in applications such as injectable hydrogels, electrospinning and bioprinting. This Special Issue aims to highlight the current and future state of biomedical hydrogel research.

Dr. Naphtali O’Connor
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 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
  • regenerative medicine
  • biosensors
  • drug delivery
  • bioprinting

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

2 pages, 164 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial on Special Issue “Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge”
by Naphtali O’Connor
Gels 2022, 8(2), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8020080 - 28 Jan 2022
Viewed by 1707
Abstract
Hydrogels are a network of hydrophilic polymers or lower molecular weight gelators capable of retaining a large quantity of water within three-dimensional networks without dissolving [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 3199 KiB  
Article
New Physical Hydrogels Based on Co-Assembling of FMOC–Amino Acids
by Alexandra Croitoriu, Loredana E. Nita, Aurica P. Chiriac, Alina G. Rusu and Maria Bercea
Gels 2021, 7(4), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7040208 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2386
Abstract
In the last years, physical hydrogels have been widely studied due to the characteristics of these structures, respectively the non-covalent interactions and the absence of other necessary components for the cross-linking processes. Low molecular weight gelators are a class of small molecules which [...] Read more.
In the last years, physical hydrogels have been widely studied due to the characteristics of these structures, respectively the non-covalent interactions and the absence of other necessary components for the cross-linking processes. Low molecular weight gelators are a class of small molecules which form higher ordered structures through hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. In this context it is known that the formation of hydrogels based on FMOC–amino acids is determined by the primary structures of amino acids and the secondary structure arrangement (alpha–helix or beta–sheet motifs). The present study aimed to obtain supramolecular gels through co-assembly phenomenon using FMOC–amino acids as low molecular weight gelators. The stability of the new structures was evaluated by the vial inversion test, while FTIR spectra put into evidence the interaction between the compounds. The gel-like structure is evidenced by viscoelastic parameters in oscillatory shear conditions. SEM microscopy was used to obtain the visual insight into the morphology of the physical hydrogel network while DLS measurements highlighted the sol-gel transition. The molecular arrangement of gels was determined by circular dichroism, fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)
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8 pages, 1292 KiB  
Article
Induced Dryness Stress on Human Vaginal Epithelium: The Efficacy of a New Vaginal Gel
by Guglielmo Stabile, Giuseppe Ricci, Maria Sole Scalia and Francesco De Seta
Gels 2021, 7(4), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7040157 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3389
Abstract
An experimental model of dryness on vaginal mucosa is proposed to assess the efficacy of a new vaginal gel (Respecta® Hydragel Ref 17031). The dryness model was induced on reconstituted human vaginal epithelium (HVE) by incubating the tissues in modified environmental conditions [...] Read more.
An experimental model of dryness on vaginal mucosa is proposed to assess the efficacy of a new vaginal gel (Respecta® Hydragel Ref 17031). The dryness model was induced on reconstituted human vaginal epithelium (HVE) by incubating the tissues in modified environmental conditions (R.H. < 50% and T = 40 °C) for 48 h. The products were applied on the ‘Dry’ HVE models for 24 h (series 48 h + 24 h) in standard culture conditions (37 °C 5% CO2). Their efficacy in counteracting vaginal dryness was assessed and compared to tissues treated with saline solution and cultured in standard culture conditions (negative control) and to untreated tissues incubated in dryness conditions for 48 h and then recovered after 24 h in standard culture conditions (positive control). The products’ efficacy was quantified by measuring the following parameters: (1) water flux and direct moisturization by AQP3 immunohistochemical staining, and (2) maintenance of moisturization and elasticity of the mucosa by hyaluronic acid (CD44) immunofluorescence staining. Respecta® Hydragel demonstrated efficacy in regulating the water flux by inducing AQP3 expression thus determining a positive water balance within the vaginal epithelium. It induced a remodelling of the epithelium morphology with restored trophism compared to the dry HVE control. Furthermore, it demonstrated a significant increase of the expression of CD44, related to hyaluronic acid (HA) distribution in the extracellular matrix. HA has the ability to act on the cellular matrix composition and its renewal compared to the dry HVE control. Through these mechanisms it induces a deep hydration and elasticity of the vaginal mucosa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)
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12 pages, 2757 KiB  
Article
Development of Hydrogels with the Incorporation of Raphanus sativus L. Seed Extract in Sodium Alginate for Wound-Healing Application
by Muhammad Zahid, Maria Lodhi, Ayesha Afzal, Zulfiqar Ahmad Rehan, Muzzamil Mehmood, Talha Javed, Rubab Shabbir, Dorota Siuta, Fayez Althobaiti and Eldessoky S. Dessok
Gels 2021, 7(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7030107 - 4 Aug 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3437
Abstract
Hydrogels prepared from polymers have been proposed for tissue regeneration and the treatment of bruise wounds. In this research work, we synthesized a Raphanus sativus L.-based wound-healing hydrogel with recognized antimicrobial activity for the healing of cutaneous lesions, drawing on its healing potential. [...] Read more.
Hydrogels prepared from polymers have been proposed for tissue regeneration and the treatment of bruise wounds. In this research work, we synthesized a Raphanus sativus L.-based wound-healing hydrogel with recognized antimicrobial activity for the healing of cutaneous lesions, drawing on its healing potential. A structural analysis was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confirming the interaction between sodium alginate and Raphanus sativus L. The surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. A swelling test showed that the T-1 hydrogel capability of absorption of the solution was superior compared to other synthesized samples. It was evident that the swelling tendency decreased as the Raphanus sativus L. seed extract concentration was reduced. In a thermogravimetric analysis, T-1 shows high thermal stability over other prepared hydrogel samples, enjoying a high content of seed extract compared with all samples. The prepared hydrogels were placed on the chick chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chick eggs, and their healing capability was examined. All seed extracts containing hydrogels showed clear curative performance as compared to the control hydrogel, whereas their healing magnitude lessened as the extract ratio decreased. It was concluded from the results of the current study that the Raphanus sativus L. plant has wound-healing characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)
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14 pages, 12379 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical and Rheological Characterization of Different Low Molecular Weight Gellan Gum Products and Derived Ionotropic Crosslinked Hydrogels
by Calogero Fiorica, Giuseppina Biscari, Fabio Salvatore Palumbo, Giovanna Pitarresi, Annalisa Martorana and Gaetano Giammona
Gels 2021, 7(2), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7020062 - 26 May 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3322
Abstract
A series of four different low molecular weight gellan gum products was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis with the aim to investigate the impact of the molecular weight on the rheological properties of the polysaccharide aqueous dispersions and on the physicochemical characteristics of derived [...] Read more.
A series of four different low molecular weight gellan gum products was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis with the aim to investigate the impact of the molecular weight on the rheological properties of the polysaccharide aqueous dispersions and on the physicochemical characteristics of derived ionotropic crosslinked hydrogels. In particular, thermo-rheological analysis was conducted on aqueous dispersions to study the influence of molecular weight on the thermogelation properties typical of the native polysaccharide while strain sweep experiments were conducted to establish if aqueous dispersion shows a viscoelastic behavior. The effect of different Ca2+ on the rheological properties of hydrogels were studied. Furthermore, ionotropic crosslinked hydrogels were analyzed in terms of morphology on the dried state and swelling behavior, while their viscoelastic properties were studied by means of rheological analysis conducted in frequency sweep regime after different time points of incubation in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. Release experiments conducted using fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled dextran as a model diffusion agent and was performed to investigate the possibility of using the low molecular weight GG-derived hydrogels as an active molecule-releasing device. Finally, the cytocompatibility of hydrolysis products was investigated, as well as the capacity of hydrogels to encapsulate viable MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)
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9 pages, 721 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of a Not Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel on Human Keratinocytes for Mesotherapy
by Nicola Zerbinati, Sabrina Sommatis, Cristina Maccario, Maria Chiara Capillo, Serena Di Francesco, Raffaele Rauso, Marina Protasoni, Edoardo D’Este, Daniela Dalla Gasperina and Roberto Mocchi
Gels 2021, 7(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7010015 - 4 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3646
Abstract
The multicomponent preparations for mesotherapy are based on the principle that skin and hair aging can be prevented by supplying the fundamental substrates for correct cellular functioning, such as nucleotides, vitamins, amino acids, and biomolecules including hyaluronic acid (HA) that promote skin hydration [...] Read more.
The multicomponent preparations for mesotherapy are based on the principle that skin and hair aging can be prevented by supplying the fundamental substrates for correct cellular functioning, such as nucleotides, vitamins, amino acids, and biomolecules including hyaluronic acid (HA) that promote skin hydration and several biological activities. The study provides evidence for the application of HYDRO DELUXE BIO (Matex Lab S.p.A), a biocompatible hydrogel containing not cross-linked HA, for the treatment of the scalp’s skin by mesotherapy. Using an in vitro model of immortalized human keratinocytes, we studied markers involved in hair aging prevention and growth, such as inflammatory markers, angiogenesis, and oxidative damage. HYDRO DELUXE BIO showed high biocompatibility and the ability to significantly reduce the expression of the inflammation marker interleukin (IL)-8 in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-stimulated cells. Then, we evaluated angiogenesis, a pivotal event during hair growth, measuring the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression that resulted to be significantly increased in treated cells, suggesting a pro-angiogenetic capability. A protective activity against the oxidative stress agent was showed, increasing the survival rate in treated cells. Concluding, HYDRO DELUXE BIO is suitable for treatment by mesotherapy of the scalp’s skin as it modulates the expression levels of markers involved in the biorevitalization of the hair follicle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)
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11 pages, 4277 KiB  
Article
Polydopamine Antioxidant Hydrogels for Wound Healing Applications
by Naphtali A. O’Connor, Abdulhaq Syed, Madeline Wong, Josiah Hicks, Greisly Nunez, Andrei Jitianu, Zach Siler and Marnie Peterson
Gels 2020, 6(4), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels6040039 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5674
Abstract
Antioxidants are known to improve the wound healing process and are researched as a therapeutic strategy to treat chronic wounds. Dopamine is a known neurotransmitter with antioxidant properties that can be polymerized to form polydopamine (PDA). Herein, polydopamine is demonstrated as an antioxidant [...] Read more.
Antioxidants are known to improve the wound healing process and are researched as a therapeutic strategy to treat chronic wounds. Dopamine is a known neurotransmitter with antioxidant properties that can be polymerized to form polydopamine (PDA). Herein, polydopamine is demonstrated as an antioxidant biomaterial. In prior work, we developed methodology to prepare hydrogels by crosslinking polysaccharides with polyamines via epichlorohydrin and NaOH. Using this previously developed methodology, dextran hydrogels crosslinked with polydopamine were prepared. Darkening of the gels indicated the increasing incorporation of polydopamine within the hydrogels. In addition to basic pH, polydopamine can be formed by reaction with polyethylene imine (PEI), which results in PEI-PDA copolymer. Dextran was similarly crosslinked with the PEI-PDA copolymer and resulted in sturdier, darker gels, which had more polydopamine incorporated. Hydrogel morphology and strength were dependent on the feed ratios of dopamine. Antioxidant activity of polydopamine containing hydrogel was confirmed and shown to be dependent on the amount of dopamine used in hydrogel synthesis. Hydrogels with 0.5 dopamine to dextran feed ratio scavenged 78.8% of radicals in a 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) antioxidant assay while gels with no dopamine scavenged only 1.4% of radicals. An ex vivo wound healing assay showed considerable cell migration with the PEI-PDA containing hydrogel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: New Knowledge)
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