Alginate-Based Gels: Preparation, Characterization and Application (2nd Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

We are grateful to all authors, reviewers, and readers for their responses to the first Edition of our Special Issue on “Alginate-Based Gels: Preparation, Characterization and Application”. You can access these articles for free via the link:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/gels/special_issues/Alginate_Gels

This Special Issue on “Alginate-based Gels: Preparation, Characterization and Application” is dedicated to recent developments from theoretical and fundamental aspects to the synthesis, characterization, and applications of alginate-based gels. Within this context, a broad range of subjects, including structure and characterization, molecular modeling and simulation, and applications will be discussed.

Under the severe situation of the gradual depletion of petrochemical resources and the requirements of carbon neutralization, it is urgent to develop new materials for sustainable development. Alginate is a natural polysaccharide extracted from algae. Alginate presents high biocompatibility, low toxicity and ease of gelation by the addition of divalent cations such as Ca²⁺. Alginate gel is widely used in food, medical, tissue engineering, daily chemical, textile, printing, dyeing, biotechnology and wastewater treatment. It can be used to produce ice cream, beverages, food, adhesives, thickeners, slow-release materials, medical dressing, dental materials, facial mask, printing paste, water treatment agents, welding rods, paper additives and other products.

As a natural polymer, alginate has a complex and changeable structure and molecular weight distribution. Owing to the complexity of the interactions in alginate gel, an understanding of these materials has been slow to develop despite the importance of alginate gels. Alginate gel mostly has low mechanical strength. Mechanical damage easily occurs during the use process, and the performance of the gel is greatly reduced after being damaged. Progress in this field requires an interdisciplinary effort to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the structure and interactions that define the behavior of complex polyelectrolyte systems and makes it possible to tailor the properties of these materials. It is hoped that the topics will stimulate new research and discoveries in the field of alginate gels.

Dr. Cheng Hu
Dr. Kongyin Zhao
Guest Editors

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• alginate hydrogel 
• alginate gel 
• alginate composite material
• synthesis and characterization of alginate
• applications of alginate
• theory and simulation of alginate