Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2023) | Viewed by 18310

Special Issue Editor

Institut de Physique de Nice (INPHYNI, UMR 7010), Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France
Interests: hydrogel; chitosan; surface modification; nanoparticles; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogels are supramolecular networks with three-dimensional organizations. This organization allows hydrogel to absorb large amounts of water. From low-molecular-weight gelators to macromolecules, a wide variety of molecules are described to stabilize hydrogels. These materials are intensively studied by researchers and can be used for a wide variety of applications. As for examples in biomedical fields, hydrogels are described for cell culture, drug delivery, 3D printing, or self-healing materials.

Various molecules are able to self-assemble in order to form hydrogels. Among this diversity, biomacromolecules (carbohydrates, peptides, etc.) are of particular interest due to their half-life, stability, safety, and ease of manufacture. However, small molecules may also be used as gelators. Inspired by nature, small molecules able to self-assemble have been developed. All macro- and small molecules are deeply investigated for their potential applications in the biomedical field.

The objective of this Special Issue is to bring together and highlight innovative work in the field of biosourced and bioinspired gels for biomedical applications. This outcome will be an opportunity to bring together the contributions of leading experts in this field and to motivate the participation of new experts.

Dr. Guilhem Godeau
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • biomacromolecules
  • hydrogel
  • low-molecular-weight gelator
  • 3D printing
  • drug delivery
  • self-healing
  • cell culture

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 5197 KiB  
Article
Influence of Diameter and Cyclic Mechanical Stimulation on the Beating Frequency of Myocardial Cell-Laden Fibers
by Stavroula Kyriakou, Andreas Lubig, Cilia A. Sandhoff, Yasmin Kuhn and Stefan Jockenhoevel
Gels 2023, 9(9), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090677 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1014
Abstract
Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a severe disease for pediatric patients. The repetitive operations needed in the case of the pacemaker implantation to maintain the electrical signal at the atrioventricular node (AVN) affect the patient’s life quality. In this study, we present a method [...] Read more.
Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a severe disease for pediatric patients. The repetitive operations needed in the case of the pacemaker implantation to maintain the electrical signal at the atrioventricular node (AVN) affect the patient’s life quality. In this study, we present a method of biofabrication of multi-cell-laden cylindrical fibrin-based fibers that can restore the electrical signal at the AVN. We used human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) cultivated either statically or dynamically to mimic the native AVN. We investigated the influence of cell composition, construct diameter and cyclic stretch on the function of the fibrin hydrogels in vitro. Immunohistochemistry analyses showed the maturity of the iPSC-CMs in the constructs through the expression of sarcomeric alpha actinin (SAA) and electrical coupling through Connexin 43 (Cx43) signal. Simultaneously, the beating frequency of the fibrin hydrogels was higher and easy to maintain whereas the concentration of iPSC-CMs was higher compared with the other types of cylindrical constructs. In total, our study highlights that the combination of fibrin with the cell mixture and geometry is offering a feasible biofabrication method for tissue engineering approaches for the treatment of AVB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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26 pages, 6095 KiB  
Article
Advanced Polymeric Membranes as Biomaterials Based on Marine Sources Envisaging the Regeneration of Human Tissues
by Duarte Nuno Carvalho, Flávia C. M. Lobo, Luísa C. Rodrigues, Emanuel M. Fernandes, David S. Williams, Andrew Mearns-Spragg, Carmen G. Sotelo, Ricardo I. Perez-Martín, Rui L. Reis, Michael Gelinsky and Tiago H. Silva
Gels 2023, 9(3), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030247 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1833
Abstract
The self-repair capacity of human tissue is limited, motivating the arising of tissue engineering (TE) in building temporary scaffolds that envisage the regeneration of human tissues, including articular cartilage. However, despite the large number of preclinical data available, current therapies are not yet [...] Read more.
The self-repair capacity of human tissue is limited, motivating the arising of tissue engineering (TE) in building temporary scaffolds that envisage the regeneration of human tissues, including articular cartilage. However, despite the large number of preclinical data available, current therapies are not yet capable of fully restoring the entire healthy structure and function on this tissue when significantly damaged. For this reason, new biomaterial approaches are needed, and the present work proposes the development and characterization of innovative polymeric membranes formed by blending marine origin polymers, in a chemical free cross-linking approach, as biomaterials for tissue regeneration. The results confirmed the production of polyelectrolyte complexes molded as membranes, with structural stability resulting from natural intermolecular interactions between the marine biopolymers collagen, chitosan and fucoidan. Furthermore, the polymeric membranes presented adequate swelling ability without compromising cohesiveness (between 300 and 600%), appropriate surface properties, revealing mechanical properties similar to native articular cartilage. From the different formulations studied, the ones performing better were the ones produced with 3 % shark collagen, 3% chitosan and 10% fucoidan, as well as with 5% jellyfish collagen, 3% shark collagen, 3% chitosan and 10% fucoidan. Overall, the novel marine polymeric membranes demonstrated to have promising chemical, and physical properties for tissue engineering approaches, namely as thin biomaterial that can be applied over the damaged articular cartilage aiming its regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 4306 KiB  
Article
Permeability-Enhanced Liposomal Emulgel Formulation of 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Skin Cancer
by Ankur Pachauri, Havagiray Chitme, Sharad Visht, Vijay Chidrawar, Nawaj Mohammed, Basel A. Abdel-Wahab, Masood Medleri Khateeb, Mohammed Shafiuddin Habeeb, Mohamed A. A. Orabi and Marwa B. Bakir
Gels 2023, 9(3), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030209 - 09 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
The plain 5-fluorouracil (5FU) formulations available in the market are associated with adverse effects such as skin irritation, pruritus, redness, blisters, allergy, and dryness on the site of application. The objective of the present study was to develop a liposomal emulgel of 5FU [...] Read more.
The plain 5-fluorouracil (5FU) formulations available in the market are associated with adverse effects such as skin irritation, pruritus, redness, blisters, allergy, and dryness on the site of application. The objective of the present study was to develop a liposomal emulgel of 5FU with increased skin permeability and efficacy using clove oil and eucalyptus oil along with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, stabilizers, binders, and additives. A series of seven formulations were developed and evaluated for their entrapment efficiency, in vitro release profile, and cumulative drug release profile. The compatibility of drugs and excipients, as confirmed by FTIR (fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) as well as SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) studies, revealed that the size and shape of liposomes are smooth and spherical, and the liposomes are non-aggregated. To understand their efficacy, the optimized formulations were evaluated for cytotoxicity using B16-F10 mouse skin melanoma cells. The eucalyptus oil and clove oil-containing preparation significantly produced a cytotoxic effect against a melanoma cell line. The addition of clove oil and eucalyptus oil increased the efficacy of the formulation by improving skin permeability and reducing the dose required for the anti-skin cancer activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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17 pages, 3799 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Colored Film Indicators for the Assessment of the Occasional Radiation Exposure
by Linas Kudrevicius, Diana Adliene, Judita Puiso and Aurimas Plaga
Gels 2023, 9(3), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030189 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1224
Abstract
Occupational radiation exposure monitoring is well-established in clinical or industrial environments with various different dosimeter systems. Despite the availability of many dosimetry methods and devices, a challenge with the occasional exposure registration, which may occur due to the spilling of radioactive materials or [...] Read more.
Occupational radiation exposure monitoring is well-established in clinical or industrial environments with various different dosimeter systems. Despite the availability of many dosimetry methods and devices, a challenge with the occasional exposure registration, which may occur due to the spilling of radioactive materials or splitting of these materials in the environment, still exists, because not every individual will have an appropriate dosimeter at the time of the irradiation event. The aim of this work was to develop radiation-sensitive films—color-changing radiation indicators, which can be attached to or integrated in the textile. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based polymer hydrogels were used as a basis for fabrication of radiation indicator films. Several organic dyes (brilliant carmosine (BC), brilliant scarlet (BS), methylene red (MR), brilliant green (BG), brilliant blue (BB), methylene blue (MB) and xylenol orange (XiO)) were used as a coloring additives. Moreover, PVA films enriched with Ag nanoparticles (PVA-Ag) were investigated. In order to assess the radiation sensitivity of the produced films, experimental samples were irradiated in a linear accelerator with 6 MeV X-ray photons and the radiation sensitivity of irradiated films was evaluated using UV–Vis spectrophotometry method. The most sensitive were PVA-BB films indicating 0.4 Gy−1 sensitivity in low-dose (0–1 or 2 Gy) range. The sensitivity at higher doses was modest. These PVA-dye films were sensitive enough to detect doses up to 10 Gy and PVA-MR film indicated stable 33.3% decolorization after irradiation at this dose. It was found that the dose sensitivity of all PVA-Ag gel films varied from 0.068 to 0.11 Gy−1 and was dependent on the Ag additives concentration. Exchange of a small amount of water with ethanol or isopropanol caused the enhancement of radiation sensitivity in the films with the lowest AgNO3 concentration. Radiation-induced color change of AgPVA films varied between 30 and 40%. Performed research demonstrated the potential of colored hydrogel films in their applications as indicators for the assessment of the occasional radiation exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 2424 KiB  
Article
Bioprinted Schwann and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Co-Cultures for Enhanced Spatial Control of Neurite Outgrowth
by Enateri V. Alakpa, Anton Bahrd, Krister Wiklund, Magnus Andersson, Lev N. Novikov, Christina Ljungberg and Peyman Kelk
Gels 2023, 9(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030172 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1599
Abstract
Bioprinting nerve conduits supplemented with glial or stem cells is a promising approach to promote axonal regeneration in the injured nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of different compositions of bioprinted fibrin hydrogels supplemented with Schwann cells and mesenchymal stem [...] Read more.
Bioprinting nerve conduits supplemented with glial or stem cells is a promising approach to promote axonal regeneration in the injured nervous system. In this study, we examined the effects of different compositions of bioprinted fibrin hydrogels supplemented with Schwann cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cell viability, production of neurotrophic factors, and neurite outgrowth from adult sensory neurons. To reduce cell damage during bioprinting, we analyzed and optimized the shear stress magnitude and exposure time. The results demonstrated that fibrin hydrogel made from 9 mg/mL of fibrinogen and 50IE/mL of thrombin maintained the gel’s highest stability and cell viability. Gene transcription levels for neurotrophic factors were significantly higher in cultures containing Schwann cells. However, the amount of the secreted neurotrophic factors was similar in all co-cultures with the different ratios of Schwann cells and MSCs. By testing various co-culture combinations, we found that the number of Schwann cells can feasibly be reduced by half and still stimulate guided neurite outgrowth in a 3D-printed fibrin matrix. This study demonstrates that bioprinting can be used to develop nerve conduits with optimized cell compositions to guide axonal regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 2288 KiB  
Article
Alginate Hydrogels Reinforced by Dehydration under Stress—Application to a Soft Magnetic Actuator
by Alberto Leon-Cecilla, Francisco J. Vazquez-Perez, Cristina Gila-Vilchez, Luis Álvarez de Cienfuegos and Modesto T. Lopez-Lopez
Gels 2023, 9(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010039 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
We investigated the effect of partial dehydration under mechanical stress in the properties of alginate hydrogels. For this aim, we characterized the mechanical properties of the hydrogels under tensile and shear stress, as well as their swelling behavior, macroscopic appearance, and microscopic structure. [...] Read more.
We investigated the effect of partial dehydration under mechanical stress in the properties of alginate hydrogels. For this aim, we characterized the mechanical properties of the hydrogels under tensile and shear stress, as well as their swelling behavior, macroscopic appearance, and microscopic structure. We found that the processes of dehydration under a mechanical stress were irreversible with fully rehydration being impossible. What is more, these processes gave rise to an enhancement of the mechanical robustness of the hydrogels beyond the effect due to the increase in polymer concentration caused by dehydration. Finally, we analyzed the applicability of these results to alginate-based magnetic hydrogel grippers that bended in response to an applied magnetic field. Remarkably, our study demonstrated that the dehydration of the magnetic hydrogels under compression facilitated their bending response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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28 pages, 2649 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Development of Nano-Engineered Mechanically Robust Hydrogels for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Bone Defects
by Kulwinder Kaur and Ciara M. Murphy
Gels 2023, 9(10), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100809 - 10 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1542
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels were discovered as attractive materials for bone tissue engineering applications given their outstanding biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication platforms into materials with different physiochemical properties. However, traditional hydrogels suffer from weak mechanical strength, limiting their use in heavy load-bearing [...] Read more.
Injectable hydrogels were discovered as attractive materials for bone tissue engineering applications given their outstanding biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication platforms into materials with different physiochemical properties. However, traditional hydrogels suffer from weak mechanical strength, limiting their use in heavy load-bearing areas. Thus, the fabrication of mechanically robust injectable hydrogels that are suitable for load-bearing environments is of great interest. Successful material design for bone tissue engineering requires an understanding of the composition and structure of the material chosen, as well as the appropriate selection of biomimetic natural or synthetic materials. This review focuses on recent advancements in materials–design considerations and approaches to prepare mechanically robust injectable hydrogels for bone tissue engineering applications. We outline the materials–design approaches through a selection of materials and fabrication methods. Finally, we discuss unmet needs and current challenges in the development of ideal materials for bone tissue regeneration and highlight emerging strategies in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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20 pages, 2575 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Research and Application of Smart-Responsive Hydrogels in Disease Treatment
by Juan Cao, Ping Yuan, Bo Wu, Yeqi Liu and Cheng Hu
Gels 2023, 9(8), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080662 - 17 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1158
Abstract
Smart-responsive hydrogels have been widely used in various fields, particularly in the biomedical field. Compared with traditional hydrogels, smart-responsive hydrogels not only facilitate the encapsulation and controlled release of drugs, active substances, and even cells but, more importantly, they enable the on-demand and [...] Read more.
Smart-responsive hydrogels have been widely used in various fields, particularly in the biomedical field. Compared with traditional hydrogels, smart-responsive hydrogels not only facilitate the encapsulation and controlled release of drugs, active substances, and even cells but, more importantly, they enable the on-demand and controllable release of drugs and active substances at the disease site, significantly enhancing the efficacy of disease treatment. With the rapid advancement of biomaterials, smart-responsive hydrogels have received widespread attention, and a wide variety of smart-responsive hydrogels have been developed for the treatment of different diseases, thus presenting tremendous research prospects. This review summarizes the latest advancements in various smart-responsive hydrogels used for disease treatment. Additionally, some of the current shortcomings of smart-responsive hydrogels and the strategies to address them are discussed, as well as the future development directions and prospects of smart-responsive hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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25 pages, 9189 KiB  
Review
Advances in Hydrogel Adhesives for Gastrointestinal Wound Closure and Repair
by Xingyu Hu and Mark W. Grinstaff
Gels 2023, 9(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9040282 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3076
Abstract
Millions of individuals undergo gastrointestinal (GI) tract surgeries each year with common postoperative complications including bleeding, perforation, anastomotic leakage, and infection. Today, techniques such as suturing and stapling seal internal wounds, and electrocoagulation stops bleeding. These methods induce secondary damage to the tissue [...] Read more.
Millions of individuals undergo gastrointestinal (GI) tract surgeries each year with common postoperative complications including bleeding, perforation, anastomotic leakage, and infection. Today, techniques such as suturing and stapling seal internal wounds, and electrocoagulation stops bleeding. These methods induce secondary damage to the tissue and can be technically difficult to perform depending on the wound site location. To overcome these challenges and to further advance wound closure, hydrogel adhesives are being investigated to specifically target GI tract wounds because of their atraumatic nature, fluid-tight sealing capability, favorable wound healing properties, and facile application. However, challenges remain that limit their use, such as weak underwater adhesive strength, slow gelation, and/or acidic degradation. In this review, we summarize recent advances in hydrogel adhesives to treat various GI tract wounds, with a focus on novel material designs and compositions to combat the environment-specific challenges of GI injury. We conclude with a discussion of potential opportunities from both research and clinical perspectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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27 pages, 3029 KiB  
Review
Research Progress in Enzymatically Cross-Linked Hydrogels as Injectable Systems for Bioprinting and Tissue Engineering
by Raquel Naranjo-Alcazar, Sophie Bendix, Thomas Groth and Gloria Gallego Ferrer
Gels 2023, 9(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030230 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2531
Abstract
Hydrogels have been developed for different biomedical applications such as in vitro culture platforms, drug delivery, bioprinting and tissue engineering. Enzymatic cross-linking has many advantages for its ability to form gels in situ while being injected into tissue, which facilitates minimally invasive surgery [...] Read more.
Hydrogels have been developed for different biomedical applications such as in vitro culture platforms, drug delivery, bioprinting and tissue engineering. Enzymatic cross-linking has many advantages for its ability to form gels in situ while being injected into tissue, which facilitates minimally invasive surgery and adaptation to the shape of the defect. It is a highly biocompatible form of cross-linking, which permits the harmless encapsulation of cytokines and cells in contrast to chemically or photochemically induced cross-linking processes. The enzymatic cross-linking of synthetic and biogenic polymers also opens up their application as bioinks for engineering tissue and tumor models. This review first provides a general overview of the different cross-linking mechanisms, followed by a detailed survey of the enzymatic cross-linking mechanism applied to both natural and synthetic hydrogels. A detailed analysis of their specifications for bioprinting and tissue engineering applications is also included. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosoursed and Bioinspired Gels for Biomedical Applications)
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