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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
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Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 10078

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wenbing Dai

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
Interests: macromolecular drug delivery; hydrogels; nanosuspensions; peptide amphiphiles; self-assembled prodrug; peptide-drug conjugate; long-acting injectables
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jovana S. Vuković

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Innovation Center of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: biomaterials; hydrogels; biopolymers; tissue engineering; wound healing; wound dressing; scaffold
Dr. Marija M. Babić Radić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: polymeric biomaterials; polimeric systems for controlled and sustained drug delivery; stimuli-sensitive hydrogels; polymeric scaffolds for tissue regeneration; advanced hybrid hydrogels; antimicrobial polymeric biomaterials; biodegradable polymers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce the Special Issue of Pharmaceutics, entitled “Recent Advance in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications”, which is dedicated to recent developments in hydrogels for biomedical applications. Hydrogels, as powerful materials with excellent biocompatibility and the ability to interface with biological environments to regenerate and/or treat tissue, have aroused the increasing interest of researchers from the fields of biomedicine, tissue engineering and drug delivery.

The goal of this Special Issue is to highlight current progress in the rapidly expanding area of polymeric hydrogels for biomedical applications. Of special interest are papers that present innovative approaches to synthesising biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels with precisely designed properties for tissue engineering/regeneration applications and controlled drug delivery, as well as papers that cover interactions between biomaterials and the biological environment: in vitro studies (e.g., cell biology, microbiology), as well as in vivo studies that move the field closer to clinical applications. We believe that the topic of this Special Issue can promote innovative research and draw attention from a wide audience in the field of hydrogels for biomedical applications. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Wenbing Dai
Dr. Jovana S. Vuković
Dr. Marija M. Babić Radić
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. Pharmaceutics 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 2900 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
  • hydrogels for tissue engineering/repair
  • hydrogels as controlled drug delivery systems
  • hydrogels for wound dressings
  • biodegradable injectable hydrogels
  • stimuli-sensitive hydrogels
  • antimicrobial hydrogels
  • hydrogels as scaffolding biomaterials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 8084 KiB  
Article
Local, Sustained, and Targeted Co-Delivery of MEK Inhibitor and Doxorubicin Inhibits Tumor Progression in E-Cadherin-Positive Breast Cancer
by Paul M. Kuhn, Gabriella C. Russo, Ashleigh J. Crawford, Aditya Venkatraman, Nanlan Yang, Bartholomew A. Starich, Zachary Schneiderman, Pei-Hsun Wu, Thi Vo, Denis Wirtz and Efrosini Kokkoli
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(8), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16080981 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 600
Abstract
Effectively utilizing MEK inhibitors in the clinic remains challenging due to off-target toxicity and lack of predictive biomarkers. Recent findings propose E-cadherin, a breast cancer diagnostic indicator, as a predictor of MEK inhibitor success. To address MEK inhibitor toxicity, traditional methodologies have systemically [...] Read more.
Effectively utilizing MEK inhibitors in the clinic remains challenging due to off-target toxicity and lack of predictive biomarkers. Recent findings propose E-cadherin, a breast cancer diagnostic indicator, as a predictor of MEK inhibitor success. To address MEK inhibitor toxicity, traditional methodologies have systemically delivered nanoparticles, which require frequent, high-dose injections. Here, we present a different approach, employing a thermosensitive, biodegradable hydrogel with functionalized liposomes for local, sustained release of MEK inhibitor PD0325901 and doxorubicin. The poly(δ-valerolactone-co-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene-glycol)-b-poly(δ-valerolactone-co-lactide) triblock co-polymer gels at physiological temperature and has an optimal degradation time in vivo. Liposomes were functionalized with PR_b, a biomimetic peptide targeting the α5β1 integrin receptor, which is overexpressed in E-cadherin-positive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In various TNBC models, the hydrogel-liposome system delivered via local injection reduced tumor progression and improved animal survival without toxic side effects. Our work presents the first demonstration of local, sustained delivery of MEK inhibitors to E-cadherin-positive tumors alongside traditional chemotherapeutics, offering a safe and promising therapeutic strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 8763 KiB  
Article
pH-Triggered Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Efficient Anticancer Drug Delivery and Bioimaging Applications
by Keristina Wagdi K. Amin, Ágota Deák, Miklós Csanády, Jr., Nikoletta Szemerédi, Diána Szabó, Árpád Turcsányi, Ditta Ungor, Gabriella Spengler, László Rovó and László Janovák
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(7), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16070931 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 640
Abstract
In this work, we developed multifunctional hydrogel nanoparticles (NPs) that can encapsulate anticancer drugs and imaging contrast agents as well. Mitomycin C (MMC) and rhodamine B (RB) were selected as models for anticancer drugs and imaging contrasting agents, respectively. Both MMC and RB [...] Read more.
In this work, we developed multifunctional hydrogel nanoparticles (NPs) that can encapsulate anticancer drugs and imaging contrast agents as well. Mitomycin C (MMC) and rhodamine B (RB) were selected as models for anticancer drugs and imaging contrasting agents, respectively. Both MMC and RB were linked to the succinated polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA-SA). The selected labeled hydrogel NPs ((0.5% RB)-PVA-SA NPs and (1.5% RB)-PVA-SA NPs) improved the RB quantum yield from 29.8% to a minimum of 42.7%. Moreover, they showed higher emission stability compared to free RB when they were repeatedly excited at 554 nm for 2 h. Furthermore, the dye polymeric interactions significantly increased the RB fluorescence lifetime by approximately twofold. All these optical properties pave the way for our labeled hydrogel NPs to be used in imaging-guided therapy. For the labeled MMC-loaded NPs, the MMC-binding efficiency was found to be exceedingly high in all synthesized samples: a minimum of 92% was achieved. In addition, the obtained pH-dependent drug release profiles as well as the cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated the high potential of releasing MMC under acidic cancerous conditions. Moreover, the in vitro cellular uptake experiment confirmed the accumulation of MMC NPs throughout the cytoplasm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications)
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15 pages, 7172 KiB  
Article
Gelatin-/Alginate-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds Reinforced with TiO2 Nanoparticles for Simultaneous Release of Allantoin, Caffeic Acid, and Quercetin as Multi-Target Wound Therapy Platform
by Marija M. Babić Radić, Marija Vukomanović, Jasmina Nikodinović-Runić and Simonida Tomić
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16030372 - 7 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1550
Abstract
This study proposes synthesis and evaluation of gelatin-/alginate-based hydrogel scaffolds reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles which, through their combination with allantoin, quercetin, and caffeic acid, provide multi-target therapy directed on all phases of the wound healing process. These scaffolds provide [...] Read more.
This study proposes synthesis and evaluation of gelatin-/alginate-based hydrogel scaffolds reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles which, through their combination with allantoin, quercetin, and caffeic acid, provide multi-target therapy directed on all phases of the wound healing process. These scaffolds provide the simultaneous release of bioactive agents and concurrently support cell/tissue repair through the replicated structure of a native extracellular matrix. The hydrogel scaffolds were synthesized via a crosslinking reaction using EDC as a crosslinker for gelatin. Synthesized hydrogel scaffolds and the effect of TiO2 on their properties were characterized by structural, mechanical, morphological, and swelling properties, and the porosity, wettability, adhesion to skin tissue, and simultaneous release features. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was tested in vitro on fibroblasts (MRC5 cells) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans) in a survival probe. The scaffolds revealed porous interconnected morphology, porosity of 88.33 to 96.76%, elastic modulus of 1.53 to 4.29 MPa, full hydrophilicity, favorable skin adhesivity, and biocompatibility. The simultaneous release was investigated in vitro indicating dependence on the scaffold’s composition and type of bioactive agents. The novel scaffolds designed as multi-target therapy have significant promise for improved wound healing in a beneficial and non-invasive manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 4441 KiB  
Article
Gellan-Based Hydrogel as a Drug Delivery System for Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester in the Treatment of Oral Candida albicans Infections
by Maíra Terra Garcia, Paulo Henrique Fonseca do Carmo, Lívia Mara Alves Figueiredo-Godoi, Natália Inês Gonçalves, Patrícia Michelle Nagai de Lima, Lucas de Paula Ramos, Luciane Dias de Oliveira, Alexandre Luiz Souto Borges, Anita Shukla and Juliana Campos Junqueira
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16030298 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1810
Abstract
Candida albicans can cause various types of oral infections, mainly associated with denture stomatitis. Conventional therapy has been linked to high recurrence, toxicity, and fungal resistance, necessitating the search for new drugs and delivery systems. In this study, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) [...] Read more.
Candida albicans can cause various types of oral infections, mainly associated with denture stomatitis. Conventional therapy has been linked to high recurrence, toxicity, and fungal resistance, necessitating the search for new drugs and delivery systems. In this study, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and gellan gum (GG) were studied as an antifungal agent and carrier system, respectively. First, we observed that different GG formulations (0.6 to 1.0% wt/vol) were able to incorporate and release CAPE, reaching a controlled and prolonged release over 180 min at 1.0% of GG. CAPE-GG formulations exhibited antifungal activity at CAPE concentrations ranging from 128 to >512 µg/mL. Furthermore, CAPE-GG formulations significantly decreased the fungal viability of C. albicans biofilms at short times (12 h), mainly at 1.0% of GG (p < 0.001). C. albicans protease activity was also reduced after 12 h of treatment with CAPE-GG formulations (p < 0.001). Importantly, CAPE was not cytotoxic to human keratinocytes, and CAPE-GG formulations at 1.0% decreased the fungal burden (p = 0.0087) and suppressed inflammation in a rat model of denture stomatitis. Altogether, these results indicate that GG is a promising delivery system for CAPE, showing effective activity against C. albicans and potential to be used in the treatment of denture stomatitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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40 pages, 20578 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Alginate-Based Hydrogels for Cell Transplantation Applications
by Alireza Kavand, François Noverraz and Sandrine Gerber-Lemaire
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(4), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16040469 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
With its exceptional biocompatibility, alginate emerged as a highly promising biomaterial for a large range of applications in regenerative medicine. Whether in the form of microparticles, injectable hydrogels, rigid scaffolds, or bioinks, alginate provides a versatile platform for encapsulating cells and fostering an [...] Read more.
With its exceptional biocompatibility, alginate emerged as a highly promising biomaterial for a large range of applications in regenerative medicine. Whether in the form of microparticles, injectable hydrogels, rigid scaffolds, or bioinks, alginate provides a versatile platform for encapsulating cells and fostering an optimal environment to enhance cell viability. This review aims to highlight recent studies utilizing alginate in diverse formulations for cell transplantation, offering insights into its efficacy in treating various diseases and injuries within the field of regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications)
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23 pages, 6453 KiB  
Review
Biopolymers and Their Application in Bioprinting Processes for Dental Tissue Engineering
by Suhon Kim, Hanjun Hwangbo, SooJung Chae and Hyeongjin Lee
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(8), 2118; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15082118 - 10 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1842
Abstract
Dental tissues are composed of multiple tissues with complex organization, such as dentin, gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. These tissues have different mechanical and biological properties that are essential for their functions. Therefore, dental diseases and injuries pose significant challenges for restorative [...] Read more.
Dental tissues are composed of multiple tissues with complex organization, such as dentin, gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. These tissues have different mechanical and biological properties that are essential for their functions. Therefore, dental diseases and injuries pose significant challenges for restorative dentistry, as they require innovative strategies to regenerate damaged or missing dental tissues. Biomimetic bioconstructs that can effectively integrate with native tissues and restore their functionalities are desirable for dental tissue regeneration. However, fabricating such bioconstructs is challenging due to the diversity and complexity of dental tissues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in polymer-based tissue engineering and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies for dental tissue regeneration. It also discusses the current state-of-the-art, focusing on key techniques, such as polymeric biomaterials and 3D printing with or without cells, used in tissue engineering for dental tissues. Moreover, the final section of this paper identifies the challenges and future directions of this promising research field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications)
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