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Polymers
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Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications
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Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Smart and Functional Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 5116

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wanyu Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: gel electrolytes; biomedical/pharmaceutical gels; self-healing gels
Prof. Dr. Chaocan Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: nanomaterials and nanocomposites; functional and fine polymer materials; gradient functional polymer materials; adsorption and separation functional materials; liquid crystal polymer materials; photonic crystal materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Gel is a kind of solid-like material between a liquid and a solid. It is also a very important soft material. In the recent few decades, gel has developed rapidly in various fields and has become a research hotspot with broad applications in drug delivery systems, wound dressing, gel electrolytes, sensors, chromatographic analysis, adhesives, and so on.

Recognizing the importance of gel materials, this Special Issue of Polymers invites contributions addressing several aspects of these fascinating substances, such as biomedical/pharmaceutical gels, gel electrolytes, food industry gels, simulation studies about gel, self-healing gels, gel-based coatings and adhesives, adsorption and separation gels, and gel-based sensors. This list is by no means exhaustive; any original theoretical, experimental, application works or review articles on functional gels that shed new light on their properties, behaviors, or potential uses are welcome as well. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers from diverse backgrounds to share their latest findings and insights, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the field of gel science and technology.

Dr. Wanyu Chen
Prof. Dr. Chaocan Zhang
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. Polymers 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 2700 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

  • biomedical/pharmaceutical gels
  • gel electrolytes
  • food industry gels
  • simulation studies
  • self-healing gels
  • coatings and adhesives
  • adsorption and separation gels
  • sensors

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 3067 KiB  
Article
Engineering Hydrogels with Enhanced Adhesive Strength Through Optimization of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Molecular Weight
by Yin-An Yang, Yu-Feng Ni, Rajan Deepan Chakravarthy, Karl Wu, Mei-Yu Yeh and Hsin-Chieh Lin
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050589 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
Hydrogels are extensively utilized in biomedical fields because of their remarkable properties, including biocompatibility, high water content, flexibility, and elasticity. However, despite substantial progress in hydrogel research, creating a hydrogel adhesive that integrates high stretchability, fatigue resistance, and reversible adhesion continues to pose [...] Read more.
Hydrogels are extensively utilized in biomedical fields because of their remarkable properties, including biocompatibility, high water content, flexibility, and elasticity. However, despite substantial progress in hydrogel research, creating a hydrogel adhesive that integrates high stretchability, fatigue resistance, and reversible adhesion continues to pose significant challenges. In this study, we aimed to address these challenges by preparing hydrogels using a combination of acrylic acid, acrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose methacrylate, thiol-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDM). By systematically varying the molecular weight of PEG, we were able to precisely adjust the mechanical and adhesive properties of the hydrogels. Our research revealed that a PEG molecular weight of 2000 (resulting in P1 hydrogel) provided a notable adhesive strength of 717.2 kPa on glass surfaces. This performance is particularly impressive given the challenges associated with achieving high adhesive strength while maintaining other desirable hydrogel properties. Beyond its strong adhesive capabilities, the P1 hydrogel also demonstrated exceptional stretchability, support, and fatigue resistance. These characteristics are crucial for applications where the adhesive needs to endure repeated stress and deformation without losing effectiveness. The successful development of P1 hydrogel underscores its potential as a multifunctional adhesive material with a broad range of applications. The ability to tailor the properties of hydrogels through molecular weight adjustments offers a promising approach to creating advanced adhesive solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern biomedical and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications)
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23 pages, 6806 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Innovative Double-Network Hydrogels with Potential as Adsorbent Materials for Wastewater Treatment
by Alexandra Vieru, Onur Yilmaz, Alina Gabriela Rusu, Cătălina Natalia Yilmaz, Alina Ghilan and Loredana Elena Nita
Polymers 2025, 17(4), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040463 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 713
Abstract
Nowadays, large amounts of wastewater arise from various industrial applications. The discharge of wastewater into the environment represents a threat to the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Thus, in the present study, innovative double-network (DN) hydrogels with pH-sensitive features and applicability as adsorbents [...] Read more.
Nowadays, large amounts of wastewater arise from various industrial applications. The discharge of wastewater into the environment represents a threat to the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Thus, in the present study, innovative double-network (DN) hydrogels with pH-sensitive features and applicability as adsorbents in the treatment of leather dye wastewater were prepared. The polyelectrolyte, poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA), was obtained via the radical polymerization process, while the supramolecular structure was co-assembled through physical interactions. As a novelty, the double network was obtained through the interpenetration of the supramolecular network in the cross-linked polymeric one. The new hydrogels were physico-chemically and morphologically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in terms of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling degree measurements, and dye adsorption studies. The DN hydrogels present interconnected macropores and high thermal stability. The swelling capacity of the dual network gels highlights a superadsorbent behavior at pH 3. Furthermore, the dye adsorption study highlights the effects of several variables (pH, concentration dose of adsorbent) on the ability of the gels to adsorb an anionic dye. The adsorption kinetics of the anionic dyes fitted the pseudo-first-order model (PFO). The estimated maximum adsorption capacities for the anionic dyes was 451 mg g−1 for PDMAEMA and 545 mg g−1 for DN gel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications)
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20 pages, 28282 KiB  
Article
Nanotechnological Formulation Incorporating Pectis brevipedunculata (Asteraceae) Essential Oil: An Ecofriendly Approach for Leishmanicidal and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
by Estela Mesquita Marques, Lucas George Santos Andrade, Luciana Magalhães Rebelo Alencar, Erick Rafael Dias Rates, Rachel Melo Ribeiro, Rafael Cardoso Carvalho, Glécilla Colombelli de Souza Nunes, Daniele Stéfanie Sara Lopes Lera-Nonose, Maria Julia Schiavon Gonçalves, Maria Valdrinez Campana Lonardoni, Melissa Pires Souza, Emmanoel Vilaça Costa and Renato Sonchini Gonçalves
Polymers 2025, 17(3), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030379 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 701
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis is a significant public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate an ecofriendly, thermosensitive nanogel, developed using a low-energy, solvent-free method, incorporating F127 and Carbopol 974P copolymers, and enriched with Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) [...] Read more.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis is a significant public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate an ecofriendly, thermosensitive nanogel, developed using a low-energy, solvent-free method, incorporating F127 and Carbopol 974P copolymers, and enriched with Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) for its leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. The nanogel was prepared and characterized through FTIR, DLS, SEM, and AFM to confirm the incorporation of EOPb as well as its stability and rheological properties. In vitro leishmanicidal activity was evaluated on Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using a rat paw edema model. In vitro, nGF3 (EOPb-loaded nanogel) demonstrated significant leishmanicidal activity, with promastigote mortality rates exceeding 80% at 24 h and 90% at 48 h. In vivo, nGF1, nGF2, and nGF3 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, with nGF2 and nGF3 reducing edema by 62.7% at 2 h post-treatment. The empty nanogel (nGF0) showed minimal anti-inflammatory activity. The ecofriendly EOPb-loaded nanogel (nGF3) demonstrated strong leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory effects, presenting a promising candidate for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Further studies are necessary to explore its clinical potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications)
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15 pages, 2633 KiB  
Article
Aerogels Based on Chitosan and Collagen Modified with Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Fabrication and Characterization
by Carmen Mª Granados-Carrera, Daniel Castro-Criado, Johar Amin Ahmed Abdullah, Mercedes Jiménez-Rosado and Víctor M. Perez-Puyana
Polymers 2025, 17(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020133 - 8 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 838
Abstract
The necessity to mitigate the intrinsic issues associated with tissue or organ transplants, in order to address the rising prevalence of diseases attributable to increased life expectancy, provides a rationale for the pursuit of innovation in the field of biomaterials. Specifically, biopolymeric aerogels [...] Read more.
The necessity to mitigate the intrinsic issues associated with tissue or organ transplants, in order to address the rising prevalence of diseases attributable to increased life expectancy, provides a rationale for the pursuit of innovation in the field of biomaterials. Specifically, biopolymeric aerogels represent a significant advancement in the field of tissue engineering, offering a promising solution for the formation of temporary porous matrices that can replace damaged tissues. However, the functional characteristics of these materials are inadequate, necessitating the implementation of matrix reinforcement methods to enhance their performance. In this study, chemical and green iron oxide nanoparticles, previously synthesized and documented in existing research, were incorporated into hybrid aerogels combining collagen (C) and chitosan (CH). The characterization of these aerogels was conducted through rheological, microstructural, and functional analyses. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles has a significant influence on the properties of the aerogels fabricated with them. In particular, the incorporation of these nanoparticles has been observed to modify the mechanical properties, with an increase in strength and porosity that may support cell proliferation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications)
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13 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
Sustained Release of Curcumin from Cur-LPs Loaded Adaptive Injectable Self-Healing Hydrogels
by Caixia Wu, Xiaoqun Ning, Qunfeng Liu, Xiaoyan Zhou and Huilong Guo
Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3451; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243451 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Biological tissue defects are typically characterized by various shaped defects, and they are prone to inflammation and the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, it is still urgent to develop functional materials which can fully occupy and adhere to irregularly shaped defects [...] Read more.
Biological tissue defects are typically characterized by various shaped defects, and they are prone to inflammation and the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, it is still urgent to develop functional materials which can fully occupy and adhere to irregularly shaped defects by injection and promote the tissue repair process using antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Herein, in this work, phenylboronic acid modified oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHAPBA) was synthesized and dynamically crosslinked with catechol group modified glycol chitosan (GCHCA) and guar gum (GG) into a hydrogel loaded with curcumin liposomes (Cur-LPs) which were relatively uniformly distributed around 180 nm. The hydrogel possessed rapid gelation within 30 s, outstanding injectability and tissue-adaptive properties with self-healing properties, and the ability to adhere to biological tissues and adapt to tissue movement. Moreover, good biocompatibility and higher DPPH scavenging efficiency were illustrated in the hydrogel. And a more sustainable release of curcumin from Cur-LPs-loaded hydrogels, which could last for 10 days, was achieved to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. Finally, they might be injected to fully occupy and adhere to irregularly shaped defects and promote the tissue repair process by antioxidant mechanisms and the sustained release of curcumin for anti-inflammation. And the hydrogel would have potential application as candidates in tissue defect repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications)
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14 pages, 4034 KiB  
Article
In Situ Thermosensitive Mucoadhesive Nasal Gel Containing Sumatriptan: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluations
by Aseel Alshraim, Doaa Alshora, Lubna Ashri, Ahlam Alhusaini, Nawal Alanazi and Nisreen M. Safwan
Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3422; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233422 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1294
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a thermosensitive mucoadhesive (MA) in situ nasal gel for sumatriptan. A 3D response surface methodology (Design of Expert version 11) was employed to formulate nine different formulations. The Pluronic F-127 concentration (X1) and chitosan concentration [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop a thermosensitive mucoadhesive (MA) in situ nasal gel for sumatriptan. A 3D response surface methodology (Design of Expert version 11) was employed to formulate nine different formulations. The Pluronic F-127 concentration (X1) and chitosan concentration (X2) were selected as independent factors. The formulas were studied in terms of pH, clarity, drug content, gelation temperature, gelation time, gel strength, MA strength, viscosity, % release after 5 h, and release kinetics. The optimized formulas were studied for % permeated after 5 h and stability in addition to previous tests. The study of the stability of the optimized formula was performed under accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% RH) for 3 months. The outcomes of the optimized formula were a clear gel with a gelation temperature of 33 °C and a reasonable gelation time of less than one minute, and the release and permeation during 5 h were 40% and 50%, respectively. The formulated gel decreased the mucociliary clearance (MCC) and thus increased the retention time in the nasal cavity, resulting in enhancing SMT absorption, which could improve the drug efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel and Their Multipurpose Applications)
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