Search Results (2,048)

This study offers an integrated synthesis of polymeric materials in biomedical engineering, revealing four major and interlinked research domains: tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug delivery and nanomedicine, wound healing and antimicrobial applications, and advanced fabrication through 3D/4D printing and bioprinting. Across these areas, hydrogels, biodegradable composites, and stimuli-responsive polymers emerge as the most influential material classes. The analysis highlights substantial progress in extracellular matrix–mimetic scaffolds, smart drug delivery systems with controlled release, multifunctional wound dressings integrating antimicrobial and healing functions, and patient-specific constructs produced via additive manufacturing. Despite these advances, recurring challenges persist in long-term biocompatibility and safety, scalable and reproducible fabrication, and regulatory standardisation. The results point toward a convergence of bioactivity, manufacturability, and clinical translation, with hybrid natural–synthetic systems and personalised polymeric designs defining the next phase of biomedical polymer innovation. Full article

Bio-based photo-crosslinkable hydrogels are used in tissue engineering as three-dimensional printable scaffolds due to their functional and biological similarities with the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this work, emerging bioink candidates such as chitosan, alginate and gelatin-based photo-crosslinkable hydrogel were developed using extrusion-based 3D printing to establish a better understanding of their applicability. The polymers were methacrylated by the same methacrylation reaction pathway, which enabled successful light-induced 3D printing. Morphology, swelling (6–40%), mechanical (Young’s modulus, 0.1–0.5 KPa) and rheological properties (300–1000 Pa), degradation kinetics (10->60 days) and printability of the gels were also characterized in identical conditions for the first time. 3D-printability results indicated that methacrylated gelatin enhanced printability, shape fidelity and integrity of printed structures compared to methacrylated alginate, which presents structural instability and poorer printing control due to its low crosslink density. Moreover, cell attachment and Live/Dead assays using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) showed that all formulations have good biocompatibility for use as scaffolds. Specifically, gelatin-based hydrogels showed a higher level of BM-MSCs attachment and spreading than the other types of hydrogels. Overall, our results suggest that the hydrogels based on these three biopolymers present good potential as a biomaterial for light-induced extrusion-based 3D printing. Full article

The versatility of emulsions as templates for fabricating functional materials has garnered significant attention in recent decades. Emulsions with tailored geometries provide a powerful platform for designing and synthesizing polymeric materials with diverse functionalities. This review summarizes recent advances in emulsion-mediated fabrication of block copolymer (BCP) functional colloids and emulsion-templated construction of gel emulsion and porous hydrogels. Key topics include the generation of high-quality, uniform emulsion droplets, control over the shape and internal nanostructure of BCP colloids, and strategies for constructing polymeric gels and other porous functional materials using gel emulsion as templates. Furthermore, the intrinsic properties of polymers can be pre-engineered with specific stimulus-responsive functionalities prior to the fabrication of polymeric microparticles or porous hydrogels, thus imparting novel and targeted functionalities to the resulting assemblies and porous networks. This study can help in developing crucial strategies and in identifying pathways for the rational design of novel multifunctional materials with applications in drug delivery, sensing, and catalysis. Full article

Single-cell encapsulation, by constructing cell-scale microenvironments, enables precise protection, regulation, and functional enhancement of individual cells, holding significant importance in biomedical fields such as bioanalysis and cell therapy. Although various materials—including polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, polyphenols, and inorganic minerals—have been explored for single-cell encapsulation, limitations in controllability, biocompatibility, and multifunctional integration remain. In contrast, DNA nanomaterials offer unique advantages, including programmable architecture, high biocompatibility, precise spatial control, and modular functionality, making them highly suitable for the development of intelligent single-cell encapsulation systems. In this review, a systematic summary of recent advances in DNA nanomaterial-based single-cell encapsulation is presented. The fundamental encoding and assembly principles underlying the engineered encapsulation of cells at the membrane interface using DNA nanostructures are elucidated. Subsequently, the distinctive merits of DNA-based cell encapsulation and its applications in biomedical research are comprehensively summarized. Finally, the prevailing challenges and future directions in this burgeoning field are critically discussed, aiming to provide novel insights and perspectives for the advancement of advanced functional materials in both academic and clinical research pertaining to single-cell encapsulation. Full article

Periodontitis, a prevalent chronic infectious disease triggered by oral biofilm microbiota, results in progressive destruction of periodontal supporting tissues, and conventional treatments have limited therapeutic effects on it. Hydrogels, due to their excellent biocompatibility, three-dimensional extracellular matrix-like structure, and localized sustained-release properties, can provide support for cell attachment, promote cell proliferation and differentiation, and improve drug utilization efficiency, showing great promise for applications in treating periodontitis as well as promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. This article first introduces the limitations of current periodontitis treatments and the unique advantages of hydrogels in periodontitis treatment and periodontal tissue regeneration, and then provides an overview of the classifications of hydrogels, the active substances they can load, and the characteristics and functions of these active substances. Subsequently, the article introduces the latest advances in the application of several common natural polymer hydrogels in periodontal tissue regeneration. Finally, the article discusses the current limitations of hydrogels in terms of structure and properties, and proposes potential solutions and future development directions in periodontal tissue regeneration. Full article

In the context of climate change, increasingly severe forest fires present a significant threat to lives, property, ecosystem functionality, and the sustainable development of forest resources. As a result, there is an urgent need for rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies for fire suppression and containment. This paper begins by reviewing the current research on forest fire extinguishing agents and materials that hold promise for effective fire suppression. Among these agents, gaseous and foam extinguishing materials exhibit drawbacks such as low efficiency or significant environmental hazards. In contrast, natural polymer hydrogels, which are high in water content, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable, show significant potential for developing clean and efficient extinguishing materials. Furthermore, this paper discusses existing environmental assessment standards for fire extinguishing agents, as well as the assessment systems proposed in various studies. It finds that, while universal assessment standards are fairly well-established, current research primarily focuses on enhancing fire suppression performance. However, the environmental performance assessment of forest fire extinguishing agents—often used in large quantities—remains inadequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a comprehensive and systematic environmental assessment system to address this theoretical and practical gap. Full article

Biodegradable polymers such as Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polylactic acid (PLA), and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are attracting attention as key platforms for anticancer drug delivery systems due to their excellent biocompatibility and controllable degradation rates. These polymers can overcome limitations of existing chemotherapeutics, such as low bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and nonspecific cell damage, and contribute to the development of precision medicine approaches and long-acting therapeutics. This paper discusses the chemical and physicochemical properties of these three polymers, their synthetic strategies, and the controlled drug release technology through surface functionalization and stimuli-responsive design. Furthermore, we highlight their potential for use in various formulations, including micelles, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and microspheres, enabling enhanced drug solubility, sustained release, and tumor targeting. Preclinical and clinical applications demonstrate that these polymer-based DDSs represent a promising approach for implementing next-generation precision anticancer treatment strategies, with further potential for clinical translation and widespread adoption. Full article

The rational design of advanced composite gels requires rigorous rheological analysis to decode their flow-deformation mechanisms, a prerequisite for optimizing performance in food and biomedical applications. However, systematic thermal analysis and rheological profiling of Salecan/Sanxan hydrogels remain unexplored, constituting a critical knowledge gap in this field. This study engineered Salecan/Sanxan hydrogels and systematically probed Salecan-dependent rheological and thermal properties. Through Power Law and Herschel–Bulkley model analyses, the hydrogels demonstrated composition-dependent rheological properties: yield stress (4.7–29.2 Pa), η₅₀ (342.6–3011.4 mPa·s), and Arrhenius equation fitting revealed tunable activation energy (14,688.3–30,997.1 J·mol⁻¹). Notably, when the gel was formulated with 3% Sanxan and 2% Salecan at a volume ratio of 1:2, its thermal-decomposition temperature rose by 9%, from 224.4 °C to 245.1 °C. Conversely, a 1:1 mixture of 2% Sanxan and 2% Salecan produced the lowest freezing point recorded (–18.3 °C), an 18% reduction compared with the control (–15.4 °C). These findings demonstrate the tunable rheological and thermal properties of Salecan/Sanxan hydrogels. By establishing that precise modulation of polymer mixing ratios can match the entire processing shear spectrum, this study not only fills a critical knowledge gap but also creates a versatile platform for designing tailor-made foods and biomedical matrices. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted growing interest as promising candidates for large-scale and flexible energy storage due to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, several persistent issues—such as uncontrolled Zn dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution-induced anode corrosion, and cathode dissolution—continue to hinder their commercial deployment. To address these challenges, hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) have emerged as an effective strategy. Their unique three-dimensional polymer networks not only retain water and confine ion transport, but also provide a solid–liquid hybrid environment that enhances ionic conductivity and interfacial compatibility. These features enable HPEs to suppress side reactions and improve both electrochemical stability and mechanical adaptability, which are especially valuable for flexible ZIB devices. This review first summarizes fundamental energy storage mechanisms in aqueous ZIBs, including reversible Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction, proton co-insertion, and cathode phase evolution. It then highlights recent progress in HPE design, with emphasis on polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyacrylic acid (PAA)-based systems, with strategies for dendrite suppression, interfacial regulation, and mechanical robustness. Finally, current challenges and future directions are discussed, with a forward-looking perspective on scalable fabrication methods, advanced electrolyte design, and deeper mechanistic understanding necessary to fully realize the potential of HPE-enabled aqueous ZIBs. Full article

In recent years, natural polymers have gained significant attention due to their abundance, biodegradability and versatility, offering a promising alternative to conventional synthetic polymers. Among natural polymers, cellulose and hemicellulose hold a special place, being the most abundant plant polysaccharides in nature, which serve as key structural materials in the synthesis of hydrogels. Cellulose has attracted significant attention in the development of hydrogels due to the fact that it confers desirable mechanical properties, high water absorption and biocompatibility. Hemicellulose, although with a more amorphous structure than cellulose, contains various functional groups that facilitate its chemical modification. With an environmentally friendly nature and low cost, these polysaccharides have gained major interest and are highly appreciated by both the academic and industrial communities. This review comprehensively presents recent advances in the design and development of hydrogels made from renewable biopolymers—cellulose and hemicellulose—providing an in-depth exploration of the information recorded over the past five years. The latest strategies for the synthesis of hydrogels, their formation mechanisms and their most important properties are analyzed and summarized in detail from the perspective of physical and chemical crosslinking. A comparative analysis is performed between these hydrogels, highlighting not only the advantages and disadvantages of each type of hydrogel but also the main challenges associated with the balance between mechanical strength, swelling capacity, biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the advanced biomedical applications of these hydrogels in areas such as drug delivery, wound dressings and tissue engineering are presented in detail. Full article

Hydrogel/electrospun polymer nanofiber composites (HENC) integrate the advantages of both components. Hydrogels provide high water content, biocompatibility, and tunable drug release, while electrospun nanofibers offer a high surface area, loading capacity, customizable morphology, and opportunities for functionalization. Nanofibers can also be incorporated into hydrogels as 3D-printable inks. Together, these features create biomimetic composites that modulate drug release and mimic native tissues. This article reviews electrospinning fundamentals, limitations, preparation methods for HENC, and their applications in drug delivery, as well as future perspectives for developing advanced functional materials with improved therapeutic efficacy, controlled release kinetics, and broad biomedical adaptability. Full article

Modern tissue regeneration strategies rely on soft biocompatible materials with adequate mechanical properties to support the growing tissues. Polymer hydrogels have been shown to be available for this purpose, as their mechanical properties can be controllably tuned. In this work, we introduce interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) hydrogels with improved elasticity due to a dual cross-linking mechanism in one of the networks. The proposed hydrogels contain entangled polymer networks of covalently cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate/diacrylate (PEGMA/PEGDA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with two types of physical cross-links—microcrystallites and tannic acid (TA). Rheological measurements demonstrate the synergistic enhancement of the elastic modulus of the single PEGMA/PEGDA network just upon the addition of PVA, since the entanglements between the two components are formed. Moreover, the mechanical properties of IPNs can be independently tuned by varying the PEGMA/PEGDA ratio and the concentration of PVA. Subsequent freezing–thawing and immersion in the TA solution of IPN hydrogels further increase the elasticity because of the formation of the microcrystallites and OH-bonds with TA in the PVA network, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and ATR FTIR-spectroscopy, respectively. Structural analysis by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy reveals a microphase-separated morphology of the hydrogels. It promotes extensive contact between PVA macromolecules, but nevertheless enables the formation of a 3D network. Such structural arrangement results in the enhanced mechanical performance of the proposed hydrogels, highlighting their potential use for tissue engineering. Full article

The use of saline water (low-quality water) in irrigation is a reality in many regions, especially in areas where fresh water is scarce, like semi-arid regions. However, it is important to adopt strategies to minimize the damage caused by salt stress to plants. The use of soil conditioners can help improve soil structure and water retention capacity, reducing salinity effects. The objective was to analyze the potential of a soil conditioner (hydrogel) as a mitigator of salty stress by irrigation with saline water in ornamental sunflower. Two sunflower cycles were carried out in a protected environment with a factorial 4 × 4 consisting of four doses of hydrogel polymer (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g kg⁻¹) and four different levels of irrigation with saline water (0.5, 2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 dS m⁻¹). Plant biomass and physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and gas exchange parameters, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthesis, were evaluated. Ornamental sunflower showed better performance with a saline water of 0.5 dS m⁻¹ without the use of hydrogel. At higher salinity levels, with a hydrogel dose of 1.5 g kg⁻¹, the sunflower achieved favorable performance, promoting gains in some gas exchange variables in plants irrigated with saline water at 3.5 dS m⁻¹ and in fluorescence-related variables within the range of 2.0 to 3.5 dS m⁻¹. This positive effect of hydrogel indicates its potential as a mitigating strategy against the adverse effects of salinity, contributing to the maintenance of plant vigor and physiological functionality in saline environments. Full article

Cannabidiol (CBD) and its derivatives show interesting therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties; however, their clinical translation remains a complex task due to physicochemical restrictions such as low water solubility, high lipophilicity, and instability under light, oxygen, and high temperatures. Polymeric encapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges, offering protection against environmental degradation, improved bioavailability, and controlled release. Natural and synthetic polymers, both biocompatible and biodegradable, provide versatile matrices for CBD delivery, enabling nanoparticle formation, targeted transport, and enhanced pharmacokinetics. This review highlights the structural characteristics of CBD, its interaction mechanisms with polymeric matrices such as hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, biodegradable microparticles, thin films, and lipid-polymer hybrid systems, and the principal encapsulation techniques, such as emulsion solvent evaporation, electrospinning, and supercritical fluid technologies, that facilitate stability and scalability. Furthermore, material characterization approaches, including microscopy, thermal, and degradation analyses, are discussed as tools for optimizing encapsulation systems. While notable advances have been made, key challenges remain in achieving reproducible large-scale production, ensuring regulatory compliance, and designing smart polymeric carriers personalized for specific therapeutic contexts. By addressing these gaps, polymer-based encapsulation may unlock new opportunities for CBD in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications, providing a guide for future innovation and translation into effective patient-centered products. Full article