Rheological Properties of Hydrogels from Biopolymers

Dear Colleagues,

Several biopolymers extracted from different natural sources have proven to effectively form gels which can be used in different sectors (e.g., food, biomedicine). Those hydrogels possess many interesting properties, as they are mostly considered non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and profitable. The rheological properties of those gels are extremely important either for their adequate processing through techniques such as 3D printing or for attaining the desired properties, such as controlled release of certain ingredients, including bioactive agents. The present Special Issue of Gels is aimed at the rheology of gels prepared from biopolymers of interest and how it can affect the processing conditions and/or the resulting properties. A special focus on the sustainability of the overall process will be preferred. Thus, this Special Issue should provide an overview of the processing and characterization of novel hydrogel materials from bioresources. Papers submitted should include the definition of adequate formulation and processing conditions necessary for obtaining a satisfactory material with the desired final properties, with a special emphasis on the rheological properties. The resulting hydrogels should cope with the responsibility of being natural biodegradable substitutes of common synthetic materials with a negative environmental impact but reaching similar properties, promoting a reduction in the carbon footprint.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Bengoechea
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.

• rheology
• hydrogels
• processing
• biopolymer