Research

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15 pages, 6449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Gelatin-Based Hydrogels Containing Triblock Copolymer and Phytic Acid

by Njomza Ajvazi, Ingrid Milošev, Romana Cerc Korošec, Peter Rodič and Bojan Božić

Gels 2024, 10(5), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050294 - 25 Apr 2024

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In recent research, significant interest has been directed towards gelatin-based hydrogels due to their affordable price, extensive availability, and biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for various biomedical applications. The development and characterization of novel hydrogels formed from varying ratios of gelatin, triblock copolymer [...] Read more.

In recent research, significant interest has been directed towards gelatin-based hydrogels due to their affordable price, extensive availability, and biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for various biomedical applications. The development and characterization of novel hydrogels formed from varying ratios of gelatin, triblock copolymer Pluronic F-127, and phytic acid have been presented. Swelling properties were examined at different pH levels. The morphology of hydrogels and their thermal properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the hydrogels was also performed. The introduction of phytic acid in the hydrogel plays a crucial role in enhancing the intermolecular interactions within gelatin-based hydrogels, contributing to a more stable, elastic, and robust network structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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26 pages, 5328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan–Oxidized Pullulan Hydrogels Loaded with Essential Clove Oil: Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

by Dana Mihaela Suflet, Marieta Constantin, Irina Mihaela Pelin, Irina Popescu, Cristina M. Rimbu, Cristina Elena Horhogea and Gheorghe Fundueanu

Gels 2024, 10(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040227 - 26 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Emulsion hydrogels are promising materials for encapsulating and stabilizing high amounts of hydrophobic essential oils in hydrophilic matrices. In this work, clove oil-loaded hydrogels (CS/OP-C) are synthesized by combining covalent and physical cross-linking approaches. First, clove oil (CO) was emulsified and stabilized in [...] Read more.

Emulsion hydrogels are promising materials for encapsulating and stabilizing high amounts of hydrophobic essential oils in hydrophilic matrices. In this work, clove oil-loaded hydrogels (CS/OP-C) are synthesized by combining covalent and physical cross-linking approaches. First, clove oil (CO) was emulsified and stabilized in a chitosan (CS) solution, which was further hardened by Schiff base covalent cross-linking with oxidized pullulan (OP). Second, the hydrogels were subjected to freeze–thaw cycles and, as a result, the clove oil was stabilized in physically cross-linked polymeric walls. Moreover, due to cryogelation, the obtained hydrogels exhibited sponge-like porous interconnected morphology (160–250 µm). By varying the clove oil content in the starting emulsion and the degree of cross-linking, the hydrogels displayed a high water retention capacity (swelling ratios between 1300 and 2000%), excellent elastic properties with fast shape recovery (20 s) after 70% compression, and controlled in vitro clove oil release in simulated skin conditions for 360 h. Furthermore, the prepared clove oil-loaded hydrogels had a strong scavenging activity of 83% and antibacterial and antifungal properties, showing a bacteriostatic effect after 48 and 72 h against S. aureus and E. coli. Our results recommend the new clove oil-embedded emulsion hydrogels as promising future materials for application as wound dressings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 2872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanogels Based on N,N-Dimethylacrylamide and β-Cyclodextrin Triacrylate for Enhanced Solubility and Therapeutic Efficacy of Aripiprazole

by Siyka Stoilova, Dilyana Georgieva, Rositsa Mihaylova, Petar D. Petrov and Bistra Kostova

Gels 2024, 10(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040217 - 22 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Aripiprazole (ARZ) is a medication used for the treatment of various diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome. Despite its therapeutic benefits, ARZ is characterized by a poor water solubility which provoked the development of various delivery [...] Read more.

Aripiprazole (ARZ) is a medication used for the treatment of various diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome. Despite its therapeutic benefits, ARZ is characterized by a poor water solubility which provoked the development of various delivery systems in order to enhance its solubility. In the present work, a nanoscale drug delivery system based on N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) and β-cyclodextrin triacrylate (β-CD-Ac₃) as potential aripiprazole delivery vehicles was developed. The nanogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization of DMAA in the presence of β-CD-Ac₃ as a crosslinking agent and then loaded with ARZ via host-guest inclusion complexation. The blank- and drug-loaded nanogels were evaluated using different methods. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to confirm the incorporation of β-CD moieties into the polymer network. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to study the size of the developed systems. The samples exhibited a monomodal particle size distribution and a relatively narrow dispersity index. The hydrodynamic diameter (D_h) of the gels varied between 107 and 129 nm, with a tendency for slightly larger particles as the β-CD-Ac₃ fraction increased. Loading the drug into the nanocarrier resulted in slightly larger particles than the blank gels, but their size was still in the nanoscopic range (166 to 169 nm). The release profiles in PBS were studied and a sustained release pattern with no significant burst effect was observed. A cytotoxicity assessment was also conducted to demonstrate the non-toxicity and biocompatibility of the studied polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 4240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Characterization of Quad-Component Bioinspired Hydrogels to Model Elevated Fibrin Levels in Central Nervous Tissue Scaffolds

by Ana M. Diaz-Lasprilla, Meagan McKee, Andrea C. Jimenez-Vergara, Swathisri Ravi, Devon Bellamy, Wendy Ortega, Cody O. Crosby, Jennifer Steele, Germán Plascencia-Villa, George Perry and Dany J. Munoz-Pinto

Gels 2024, 10(3), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030203 - 17 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Multicomponent interpenetrating polymer network (mIPN) hydrogels are promising tissue-engineering scaffolds that could closely resemble key characteristics of native tissues. The mechanical and biochemical properties of mIPNs can be finely controlled to mimic key features of target cellular microenvironments, regulating cell-matrix interactions. In this [...] Read more.

Multicomponent interpenetrating polymer network (mIPN) hydrogels are promising tissue-engineering scaffolds that could closely resemble key characteristics of native tissues. The mechanical and biochemical properties of mIPNs can be finely controlled to mimic key features of target cellular microenvironments, regulating cell-matrix interactions. In this work, we fabricated hydrogels made of collagen type I (Col I), fibrin, hyaluronic acid (HA), and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) using a network-by-network fabrication approach. With these mIPNs, we aimed to develop a biomaterial platform that supports the in vitro culture of human astrocytes and potentially serves to assess the effects of the abnormal deposition of fibrin in cortex tissue and simulate key aspects in the progression of neuroinflammation typically found in human pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and tissue trauma. Our resulting hydrogels closely resembled the complex modulus of AD human brain cortex tissue (~7.35 kPa), promoting cell spreading while allowing for the modulation of fibrin and hyaluronic acid levels. The individual networks and their microarchitecture were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human astrocytes were encapsulated in mIPNs, and negligible cytotoxicity was observed 24 h after the cell encapsulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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14 pages, 4068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spray-Dried Chitosan Hydrogel Particles as a Potential Delivery System for Benzydamine Hydrochloride

by Sofia Milenkova, Rita Ambrus, Mahwash Mukhtar, Bissera Pilicheva and Maria Marudova

Gels 2024, 10(3), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030189 - 08 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Chitosan, being a biocompatible and mucoadhesive polysaccharide, is one of the most preferred hydrogel-forming materials for drug delivery. The objectives of the present study are to obtain spray-dried microparticles based on low-molecular-weight chitosan and study their potential application as cargo systems for the [...] Read more.

Chitosan, being a biocompatible and mucoadhesive polysaccharide, is one of the most preferred hydrogel-forming materials for drug delivery. The objectives of the present study are to obtain spray-dried microparticles based on low-molecular-weight chitosan and study their potential application as cargo systems for the orally active drug benzydamine hydrochloride. Three types of particles are obtained: raw chitosan particles (at three different concentrations), cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP) particles (at three different chitosan:NaTPP ratios), and particles coated with mannitol (at three different chitosan:mannitol ratios), all of them in the size range between 1 and 10 µm. Based on the loading efficiency and the yields of the formulated hydrogel particles, one model of each type is chosen for further investigation of the effect of the cross-linker or the excipient on the properties of the gel structures. The morphology of both empty and benzydamine hydrochloride-loaded chitosan particles was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and it was quite regular and spherical. Interactions and composition in the samples are investigated by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. The thermal stability and phase state of the drug and drug-containing polymer matrixes were tested by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powdered diffraction, revealing that the drug underwent a phase transition. A drug release kinetics study of the chosen gel-based structures in simulated saliva buffer (pH = 6.8) and mathematical modeling of the process were performed, indicating the Weibull model as the most appropriate one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 7591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Mechano-Functional Characterization of PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels: Impact of Thrombin Concentration

by Clara F. López-León, Ramon Planet and Jordi Soriano

Gels 2024, 10(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020116 - 01 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures grown in hydrogels are promising platforms to design brain-like neuronal networks in vitro. However, the optimal properties of such cultures must be tuned to ensure a hydrogel matrix sufficiently porous to promote healthy development but also sufficiently rigid for [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures grown in hydrogels are promising platforms to design brain-like neuronal networks in vitro. However, the optimal properties of such cultures must be tuned to ensure a hydrogel matrix sufficiently porous to promote healthy development but also sufficiently rigid for structural support. Such an optimization is difficult since it implies the exploration of different hydrogel compositions and, at the same time, a functional analysis to validate neuronal culture viability. To advance in this quest, here we present a combination of a rheological protocol and a network-based functional analysis to investigate PEGylated fibrin hydrogel networks with gradually higher stiffness, achieved by increasing the concentration of thrombin. We observed that moderate thrombin concentrations of 10% and 25% in volume shaped healthy networks, although the functional traits depended on the hydrogel stiffness, which was much higher for the latter concentration. Thrombin concentrations of 65% or higher led to networks that did not survive. Our results illustrate the difficulties and limitations in preparing 3D neuronal networks, and stress the importance of combining a mechano-structural characterization of a biomaterial with a functional one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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Review

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35 pages, 3174 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements and Challenges in Self-Healing Hydrogels for Wound Care

by Hossein Omidian, Renae L. Wilson and Erma J. Gill

Gels 2024, 10(4), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040241 - 01 Apr 2024

Viewed by 793

Abstract

This manuscript explores self-healing hydrogels as innovative solutions for diverse wound management challenges. Addressing antibiotic resistance and tailored wound care, these hydrogels exhibit promising outcomes, including accelerated wound closure and tissue regeneration. Advancements in multifunctional hydrogels with controlled drug release, antimicrobial properties, and [...] Read more.

This manuscript explores self-healing hydrogels as innovative solutions for diverse wound management challenges. Addressing antibiotic resistance and tailored wound care, these hydrogels exhibit promising outcomes, including accelerated wound closure and tissue regeneration. Advancements in multifunctional hydrogels with controlled drug release, antimicrobial properties, and real-time wound assessment capabilities signal a significant leap toward patient-centered treatments. However, challenges such as scalability, long-term safety evaluation, and variability in clinical outcomes persist. Future directions emphasize personalized medicine, manufacturing innovation, rigorous evaluation through clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This manuscript features the ongoing pursuit of effective, adaptable, and comprehensive wound care solutions to transform medical treatments and improve patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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29 pages, 2617 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries

by Hossein Omidian, Arnavaz Akhzarmehr and Sumana Dey Chowdhury

Gels 2024, 10(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030174 - 29 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326

Abstract

The development of superabsorbent hydrogels is experiencing a transformative era across industries. While traditional synthetic hydrogels have found broad utility, their non-biodegradable nature has raised environmental concerns, driving the search for eco-friendlier alternatives. Cellulose-based superabsorbents, derived from sustainable sources, are gaining prominence. Innovations [...] Read more.

The development of superabsorbent hydrogels is experiencing a transformative era across industries. While traditional synthetic hydrogels have found broad utility, their non-biodegradable nature has raised environmental concerns, driving the search for eco-friendlier alternatives. Cellulose-based superabsorbents, derived from sustainable sources, are gaining prominence. Innovations include biodegradable polymer hydrogels, natural cellulose-chitosan variants, and cassava starch-based alternatives. These materials are reshaping agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and water retention, serving as potent hemostatic agents in medicine, contributing to pollution control, and providing eco-friendly construction materials. Cellulose-based hydrogels also offer promise in drug delivery and hygiene products. Advanced characterization techniques aid in optimizing their properties, while the shift towards circular economy practices further highlights sustainability. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of these advancements, highlighting their diverse applications and environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Materials: Preparations and Characterization (2nd Edition))

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