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Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels
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Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 31421

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Indu Pal Kaur

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
Interests: drug delivery; ocular therapeutics: nanobiotechnology; gels including emulgels and nanogels; biomaterials; biosensors; siRNA delivery; probiotics; 2D and 3D printing
Prof. Dr. Bozena B. Michniak-Kohn

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Center for Dermal Research (CDR) & Laboratory for Drug Delivery (LDD), Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
Interests: topical; transdermal; percutaneous drug delivery; skin transport pathways; skin carrier systems; skin formulations; skin drug delivery; human skin equivalents; skin models
Dr. Parneet K Deol

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutics, GHG Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Punjab 141104, India
Interests: drug delivery; regenerative medicine; antioxidant

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Gels” is a term encompassing a wide range of materials of importance, now suggested to have wider application than once thought. Their presence in products extends from cosmetics to building materials; from elastic gels to glassy solids; from mineral solutions to clays; from 3D regeneration materials to drug and biological cell carriers; from sub atomic to atomic to molecular and supramolecular structures; and from hydrogels to emulgels and nanogels. The spectrum is wide enough to include soft and compression-resistant gels that are resilient enough to rapidly return to their original shape within minutes, even after the repeated application of stresses as large as 1000 kilograms.

Currently, the work of women scientists is still either overlooked or more often attributed to their male colleagues. A general erasure of their contributions to science is frequently perceived, and often they go unrecognised. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 30% of the scientific researchers identified globally are women. Their strategic role in all walks of life, including science, is being increasingly acknowledged.

With this in mind, the current Special Issue aims to highlight women’s contributions in ‘Gel Science’ and to facilitate collaboration opportunities at an interdisciplinary, global level. This Special Issue thus aims to provide a comprehensive collection of works by eminent women scientists all from around the globe on the recent advances and developments in the ever-expanding domain of gels.

We strongly welcome contributions in the field of gel science submitted by women authors, either corresponding or first: this is the only requirement to submit to this Special Issue. Rather than a form of ‘tokenism’, this Special Issue is about women being recognised as enjoying science as much as men do, if not more. We hope that this will encourage women authors to be featured equally and as a matter of course in this domain in the future.

This Special Issue endeavours to cover a broad range of topics related to gels, with state-of-the-art commentaries on all aspects of gel research from contributors across the globe, providing an authoritative and timely overview of the field. It will be a useful educational and scientific tool for academicians, researchers, chemists, biologists, health professionals, students, those in the pharma/cosmetic industry, and businessmen worldwide.

Research articles and review papers are welcome on topics including, but not limited to:

  • Supramolecular materials;
  • Nano-structured materials (particles, fibres, colloids, composites);
  • Nano- and macroporous materials (aerogels, organogels, metallogels, xerogels, cryogels, hydrogels);
  • Functional coatings, thin films and membranes (including deposition techniques);
  • Development and characterization of sol-gel and hybrid materials;
  • Modelling, computational tools and theoretical studies on gels;
  • Gel materials for biological and health (medical) applications;
  • Polymer gels, protein gels and self-healing gels;
  • Sol-gel and hybrid materials with surface modifications for applications;
  • Devices based on sol-gel or hybrid materials;
  • Structure, dynamics, kinetics and equilibrium thermodynamics in gel structures;
  • Biomimetic hydrogels as tissue engineering 3D scaffolds for mechanically supporting cells in the engineered tissues, and to simulate the native extracellular matrix.

We welcome submissions from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Prof. Dr. Indu Pal Kaur
Prof. Dr. Bozena B. Michniak-Kohn
Dr. Parneet K Deol
Guest Editors

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.

Women’s Special Issue Series

This Special Issue is part of Gels's Women’s Special Issue Series, hosted by women editors for women researchers. The Series advocates the advancement of women in science. We invite contributions to the Special Issue whose lead authors identify as women. The submission of articles with all-women authorship is especially encouraged. However, we do welcome articles from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Published Papers (16 papers)

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18 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
Development of Oral In Situ Gelling Liquid Formulations of Garcinia Extract for Treating Obesity
by Kantiya Fungfoung, Rachanida Praparatana, Ousanee Issarachot and Ruedeekorn Wiwattanapatapee
Gels 2023, 9(8), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080660 - 16 Aug 2023
Viewed by 2079
Abstract
Novel in situ gelling liquid formulations incorporating garcinia extract were developed to achieve prolonged delivery of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), an active compound displaying anti-obesity function, following oral administration. The optimized formulation was composed of sodium alginate (1.5% w/v), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose [...] Read more.
Novel in situ gelling liquid formulations incorporating garcinia extract were developed to achieve prolonged delivery of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), an active compound displaying anti-obesity function, following oral administration. The optimized formulation was composed of sodium alginate (1.5% w/v), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K100) (0.25% w/v), calcium carbonate (1% w/v) and garcinia extract (2% w/v). The formulation displayed rapid gelation in less than a minute on exposure to 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (pH 1.2) and remained afloat for more than 24 h. The formulations were capable of gradually releasing more than 80% of HCA load over 8 h, depending on the composition. The resulting gels exhibited high values of gel strength by texture analysis, suggesting they would offer resistance to breakdown under the action of stomach content movement. The optimized formulation loaded garcinia extract significantly reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells and displayed moderate anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These findings demonstrate that oral in situ gelling liquid formulations based on sodium alginate and HPMC K100 offer much potential for sustained delivery of HCA and other anti-obesity compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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12 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
Determination of Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Date-Based Sports Energy Gel
by Syahrul Anis Hazwani Mohd Baroyi, Yus Aniza Yusof, Nashratul Shera Mohamad Ghazali, Alhussein M. Al-Awaadh, Kazunori Kadota, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Hazizi Abu Saad, Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim Shah and Mohammad Fikry
Gels 2023, 9(6), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060487 - 13 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1517
Abstract
Applying energy supplements in gel form may circumvent gastric discomfort and thus it is a practical alternative. The main objective of this investigation was to develop date-based sports energy gels consisting of highly nutritious ingredients such as black seed (Nigella sativa L.) [...] Read more.
Applying energy supplements in gel form may circumvent gastric discomfort and thus it is a practical alternative. The main objective of this investigation was to develop date-based sports energy gels consisting of highly nutritious ingredients such as black seed (Nigella sativa L.) extract and honey. Three date cultivars (Sukkary, Medjool, and Safawi) were used and characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. The sports energy gels were prepared with addition of xanthan gum (0.5% w/w) as the gelling agent. The newly developed date-based sports energy gels were then analysed for proximate composition, pH level, colour, viscosity, and texture profile analysis (TPA). A sensory test was also conducted with 10 panellists who analysed the appearance, texture, odour, sweetness, and overall acceptability of the gel using a hedonic scale. The results showed that different types of date cultivars affect the physical and mechanical properties of the new developed gels. The outputs of the sensory evaluation revealed that the date-based sports energy gel prepared from Medjool received the highest mean score, followed closely by those prepared from Safawi and Sukkary, indicating that, overall, all three cultivars are acceptable to consumers, but the date-based sports energy gel prepared from Medjool is the most preferred one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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17 pages, 7445 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Cryogels with Superabsorbent Properties as Promising Materials for Penicillin G Retention
by Marinela Victoria Dumitru, Teodor Sandu, Andreea Miron, Anamaria Zaharia, Ionuț Cristian Radu, Ana-Mihaela Gavrilă, Andrei Sârbu, Horia Iovu, Anita-Laura Chiriac and Tanța Verona Iordache
Gels 2023, 9(6), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060443 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1015
Abstract
This present study describes the investigation of new promising hybrid cryogels able to retain high amounts of antibiotics, specifically penicillin G, using chitosan or chitosan–biocellulose blends along with a naturally occurring clay, i.e., kaolin. In order to evaluate and optimize the stability of [...] Read more.
This present study describes the investigation of new promising hybrid cryogels able to retain high amounts of antibiotics, specifically penicillin G, using chitosan or chitosan–biocellulose blends along with a naturally occurring clay, i.e., kaolin. In order to evaluate and optimize the stability of cryogels, three types of chitosan were used in this study, as follows: (i) commercial chitosan; (ii) chitosan prepared in the laboratory from commercial chitin; and (iii) chitosan prepared in the laboratory from shrimp shells. Biocellulose and kaolin, previously functionalized with an organosilane, were also investigated in terms of their potential to improve the stability of cryogels during prolonged submergence under water. The organophilization and incorporation of the clay into the polymer matrix were confirmed by different characterization techniques (such as FTIR, TGA, SEM), while their stability in time underwater was investigated by swelling measurements. As final proof of their superabsorbent behavior, the cryogels were tested for antibiotic adsorption in batch experiments, in which case cryogels based on chitosan extracted from shrimp shells seem to exhibit excellent adsorption properties for penicillin G. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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19 pages, 9023 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional Finishing of Cotton Fabric with Curcumin Derivatives Coatings Obtained by Sol–Gel Method
by Florentina Monica Raduly, Valentin Rădițoiu, Alina Rădițoiu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Iuliana Răut, Mariana Constantin and Maria Grapin
Gels 2023, 9(5), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050369 - 30 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1489
Abstract
Textile materials with fluorescent, repellent, or antimicrobial properties are increasingly used in common applications. Obtaining multi-functional coatings is of wide interest, especially for applications related to signaling or to the medical field. In order to increase the performance (color properties, fluorescence lifetime, self-cleaning [...] Read more.
Textile materials with fluorescent, repellent, or antimicrobial properties are increasingly used in common applications. Obtaining multi-functional coatings is of wide interest, especially for applications related to signaling or to the medical field. In order to increase the performance (color properties, fluorescence lifetime, self-cleaning or antimicrobial properties) of textile materials with special uses, a series of research was carried out regarding the modification of surfaces with nanosols. In this study, coatings with multiple properties were obtained by depositing nanosols on cotton fabrics generated through sol–gel reactions. These multifunctional coatings are hybrid materials in which the host matrix is generated using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and network modifying organosilanes:dimethoxydimethylsilane (DMDMS) or dimethoxydiphenylsilane (DMDPS) in a 1:1 mass ratio. Two curcumin derivatives were embedded in siloxane matrices, a yellow one (CY) that is identical to bis-demethoxycurcumin (one of the natural constituents in turmeric) and a red dye (CR) that has a N,N-dimethylamino group grafted in position 4 of the dicinnamoylmethane skeleton of curcumin. The nanocomposites obtained by embedding curcumin derivatives in siloxane matrices were deposited on cotton fabric and studied in relation to the dye and the type of host matrix. Fabrics coated with such systems provide a hydrophobic surface, have fluorescent and antimicrobial properties, change color depending on the pH, and therefore can be used in various fields where textiles provide signaling properties, self-cleaning, or antibacterial protection. The coated fabrics maintained their good multifunctional properties even after several washing cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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20 pages, 12170 KiB  
Article
Preclinical Potential of Probiotic-Loaded Novel Gelatin–Oil Vaginal Suppositories: Efficacy, Stability, and Safety Studies
by Anchal Bassi, Garima Sharma, Parneet Kaur Deol, Ratna Sudha Madempudi and Indu Pal Kaur
Gels 2023, 9(3), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030244 - 19 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2178
Abstract
The current study describes a suppository base composed of aqueous gelatin solution emulsifying oil globules with probiotic cells dispersed within. The favorable mechanical properties of gelatin to provide a solid gelled structure, and the tendency of its proteins to unravel into long strings [...] Read more.
The current study describes a suppository base composed of aqueous gelatin solution emulsifying oil globules with probiotic cells dispersed within. The favorable mechanical properties of gelatin to provide a solid gelled structure, and the tendency of its proteins to unravel into long strings that interlace when cooled, lead to a three-dimensional structure that can trap a lot of liquid, which was exploited herein to result in a promising suppository form. The latter maintained incorporated probiotic spores of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 in a viable but non-germinating form, preventing spoilage during storage and imparting protection against the growth of any other contaminating organism (self-preserved formulation). The gelatin–oil–probiotic suppository showed uniformity in weight and probiotic content (23 ± 2.481 × 108 cfu) with favorable swelling (double) followed by erosion and complete dissolution within 6 h of administration, leading to the release of probiotic (within 45 min) from the matrix into simulated vaginal fluid. Microscopic images indicated presence of probiotics and oil globules enmeshed in the gelatin network. High viability (24.3 ± 0.46 × 108), germination upon application and a self-preserving nature were attributed to the optimum water activity (0.593 aw) of the developed composition. The retention of suppositories, germination of probiotics and their in vivo efficacy and safety in vulvovaginal candidiasis murine model are also reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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16 pages, 1839 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of Imaging Modalities Combined with a Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implant in Korean Women
by Pa Hong, Jae Kyoung Kang, Seung Hwan Hwang and Kyung Ah Lee
Gels 2023, 9(3), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030232 - 16 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1341
Abstract
With the occurrence of breast implant crises in Korea, it has become increasingly important to detect complications earlier in patients receiving a device. We have therefore combined imaging modalities with an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. In this study, we assessed the short-term treatment outcomes [...] Read more.
With the occurrence of breast implant crises in Korea, it has become increasingly important to detect complications earlier in patients receiving a device. We have therefore combined imaging modalities with an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. In this study, we assessed the short-term treatment outcomes and safety of the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface (Establishment Labs Holdings Inc., Alajuela, Costa Rica) in Korean women. A total of 87 women (n = 87) were included in the current study. We compared preoperative anthropometric measurements between the right side and the left side of the breast. Moreover, we also compared the thickness of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and the pectoralis major measured on a breast ultrasound preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Furthermore, we analyzed the incidences of postoperative complications and the cumulative complication-free survival. Preoperatively, there was a significant difference in the distance from the nipple to the midline between the left and right side of the breast (p = 0.000). Both sides of the breast showed significant differences in the thickness of the pectoralis major preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.000). A total of 11 cases (12.6%) of postoperative complications occurred; these included five cases (5.7%) of early seroma, two cases (2.3%) of infection, two cases (2.3%) of rippling, one case (1.1%) of hematoma and one case (1.1%) of capsular contracture. Time-to-events were estimated at 386.68 ± 27.79 days (95% CI 334.11–439.27). Here, we describe our experience with imaging modalities in combination with the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface in Korean women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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15 pages, 19893 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment and Rheological Investigation of Two Different Hand Sanitizers Compared with the Standard Reference WHO Formulation 1
by Sabrina Sommatis, Maria Chiara Capillo, Cristina Maccario, Raffaele Rauso, Edoardo D’Este, Martha Herrera, Mauro Castiglioni, Roberto Mocchi and Nicola Zerbinati
Gels 2023, 9(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020108 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1908
Abstract
(1) Background: recently, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) has become very frequent, and an evaluation of the stability and effectiveness of their formulations is a critical topic which should be carefully considered. (2) Methods: starting from the characterization of the hand [...] Read more.
(1) Background: recently, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) has become very frequent, and an evaluation of the stability and effectiveness of their formulations is a critical topic which should be carefully considered. (2) Methods: starting from the characterization of the hand sanitizers object of the study, our interest was focused on their rheological behavior in order to confirm their intrinsic features, but also the stability of each formulation in different conditions of shear and temperature; the second aspect concerns the antimicrobial assessment through a panel of in vitro and in vivo experimental trials. (3) Results: rheological investigation confirmed good stability for the two hand sanitizers in gel formula with respect to the reference in liquid formula; the antimicrobial activity evaluation showed good efficacy of each formulation both in vitro and in vivo. (4) Conclusions: altogether, our overview presents a valid quality control assessment to ensure the stability and efficacy of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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16 pages, 8336 KiB  
Article
Spectroscopic Characterization of the Binding and Release of Hydrophilic, Hydrophobic and Amphiphilic Molecules from Ovalbumin Supramolecular Hydrogels
by Ana Vesković, Danica Bajuk-Bogdanović, Vladimir B. Arion and Ana Popović Bijelić
Gels 2023, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010014 - 26 Dec 2022
Viewed by 2056
Abstract
Protein-based hydrogels have attracted growing attention for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Ovalbumin (OVA), the hen egg white albumin, possessing good foaming and gelling properties and being widely used in the food industry, has recently been indicated as a potential pharmaceutical vehicle. In this [...] Read more.
Protein-based hydrogels have attracted growing attention for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Ovalbumin (OVA), the hen egg white albumin, possessing good foaming and gelling properties and being widely used in the food industry, has recently been indicated as a potential pharmaceutical vehicle. In this study, the binding and release properties of pure OVA hydrogels were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin labeling. The comparative analysis between OVA and serum albumin (SA) hydrogels revealed the same release kinetics of hydrophilic 3-carbamoyl-proxyl and 3-carboxy-proxyl, suggesting the diffusion-dominated release of small probes from both hydrogel types. The results obtained with the amphiphilic 16-doxylstearate (16-DS) indicate that OVA, unlike SAs, does not possess a specific fatty acid binding site. However, the OVA hydrogels were able to accommodate a two-fold excess of 16-DS, resulting from protein thermally induced conformational changes, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Similarly, the hydrophobic modified paullone ligand HL, which was initially free in the OVA solution, was bound in the hydrogel. The hydrogels were found to retain a significant amount of 16-DS and HL after 7-day dialysis in physiological saline. The observed facilitated binding of amphiphilic/hydrophobic molecules in OVA hydrogels compared to the solution, and their sustained release, demonstrate the applicability of OVA hydrogels in pharmaceutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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20 pages, 28777 KiB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of PLGA Nanoparticle-Loaded Organogel for the Transdermal Delivery of Risperidone
by Naz Dilawar, Tofeeq Ur-Rehman, Kifayat Ullah Shah, Humaira Fatima and Aiyeshah Alhodaib
Gels 2022, 8(11), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8110709 - 02 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1518
Abstract
A transdermal delivery approach may circumvent the limitations associated with the oral use of risperidone (RIS), an atypical antipsychotic drug. The current study focuses on the utilization of poloxamer (pluronic) lecithin organogel (PLO), a suitable transdermal vehicle, and a biodegradable nanoparticulate system of [...] Read more.
A transdermal delivery approach may circumvent the limitations associated with the oral use of risperidone (RIS), an atypical antipsychotic drug. The current study focuses on the utilization of poloxamer (pluronic) lecithin organogel (PLO), a suitable transdermal vehicle, and a biodegradable nanoparticulate system of PLGA with the potential to deliver RIS in an efficient way. PLGA nanoparticles were fabricated using different ratios of the polymer and surfactant. The optimization was performed principally on the basis of particle size and entrapment efficiency (EE). The developed PLGA nanoparticles were spherical, sized around 109 nm with negative charge (−9.3 mv) and enhanced drug entrapment efficiency (58%). The in vitro drug release study of lyophilized nanoparticles showed a sustained pattern. Statistical analysis confirmed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the nanoparticle-loaded PLO gel and conventional drug formulations in terms of drug release and ex vivo permeation across rat skin (three-fold). The results confirm enhanced drug release and permeation through the skin at 72 h. Hence, the investigated formulation could be a better alternative to the conventional route for improving patient compliance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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14 pages, 6532 KiB  
Article
Highly Sensitive and Selective Sol-Gel Spin-Coated Composite TiO2–PANI Thin Films for EGFET-pH Sensor
by Nur Syahirah Kamarozaman, Nurbaya Zainal, Aimi Bazilah Rosli, Muhammad Alhadi Zulkefle, Nik Raikhan Nik Him, Wan Fazlida Hanim Abdullah, Sukreen Hana Herman and Zurita Zulkifli
Gels 2022, 8(11), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8110690 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1458
Abstract
A highly selective and sensitive EGFET-pH sensor based on composite TiO2–PANI had been developed in this work. A sol-gel titanium dioxide (TiO2) and the composite of TiO2 with semiconducting polyaniline (PANI) were deposited using a simple spin-coating method [...] Read more.
A highly selective and sensitive EGFET-pH sensor based on composite TiO2–PANI had been developed in this work. A sol-gel titanium dioxide (TiO2) and the composite of TiO2 with semiconducting polyaniline (PANI) were deposited using a simple spin-coating method on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The films have been explored as a sensing electrode (SE) of extended gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) for pH applications in the range of pH 2 to 12. The pH sensitivities between TiO2, TiO2–PANI bilayer composite, and TiO2–PANI composite thin films were discussed. Among these, the TiO2–PANI composite thin film showed a super-Nernstian behavior with high sensitivity of 66.1 mV/pH and linearity of 0.9931; good repeatability with a standard deviation of 0.49%; a low hysteresis value of 3 mV; and drift rates of 4.96, 5.54, and 3.32 mV/h in pH 4, 7, and 10, respectively, for 6 h. Upon applying the TiO2–PANI composite as the SE for nitrate measurement, low sensitivity of 12.9 mV/dec was obtained, indicating that this film is a highly selective sensing electrode as a pH sensor. The surface morphology and crystallinity of the thin films were also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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15 pages, 7232 KiB  
Article
Self-assembly and Hydrogelation Properties of Peptides Derived from Peptic Cleavage of Aggregation-prone Regions of Ovalbumin
by Raliat O. Abioye, Caleb Acquah, Pei Chun Queenie Hsu, Nico Hüttmann, Xiaohong Sun and Chibuike C. Udenigwe
Gels 2022, 8(10), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8100641 - 09 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2233
Abstract
Egg white protein hydrolysate generated with pepsin was investigated for the presence of peptides with self-assembly and hydrogelation properties. Incubation of the hydrolysates for 16 h resulted in aggregates with significantly (p < 0.05) lower free amino nitrogen and sulfhydryl contents, and [...] Read more.
Egg white protein hydrolysate generated with pepsin was investigated for the presence of peptides with self-assembly and hydrogelation properties. Incubation of the hydrolysates for 16 h resulted in aggregates with significantly (p < 0.05) lower free amino nitrogen and sulfhydryl contents, and higher particle diameter and surface hydrophobicity compared to the hydrolysates. LC-MS/MS analysis of the aggregates resulted in identification of 429 ovalbumin-derived peptides, among which the top-six aggregation-prone peptides IFYCPIAIM, NIFYCPIAIM, VLVNAIVFKGL, YCPIAIMSA, MMYQIGLF, and VYSFSLASRL were predicted using AGGRESCAN by analysis of the aggregation “Hot Spots”. NIFYCPIAIM had the highest thioflavin T fluorescence intensity, particle diameter (5611.3 nm), and polydispersity index (1.0) after 24 h, suggesting the formation of β-sheet structures with heterogeneous particle size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy of MMYQIGLF, and VYSFSLASRL demonstrated the most favorable peptide self-assembly, based on the formation of densely packed, intertwined fibrils. Rheological studies confirmed the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of the hydrogels, with IFYCPIAIM, NIFYCPIAIM, VLVNAIVFKGL, and VYSFSLASRL forming elastic solid hydrogels (tan δ < 1), while YCPIAIMSA and MMYQIGLF formed viscous liquid-like hydrogels (tan δ > 1). The results provide valuable insight into the influence of peptide sequence on hydrogelation and self-assembly progression, and prospects of food peptides in biomaterial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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9 pages, 1847 KiB  
Communication
Extrusion of Cell Encapsulated in Boron Nitride Nanotubes Reinforced Gelatin—Alginate Bioink for 3D Bioprinting
by Akesh Babu Kakarla, Ing Kong, Cin Kong, Helen Irving and Colleen J. Thomas
Gels 2022, 8(10), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8100603 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, an innovative technology, has gained the attention of researchers as a promising technique for the redevelopment of complex tissue or organ structures. Despite significant advancements, a major challenge in 3D bioprinting is the limited number of suitable bioinks that fulfil [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, an innovative technology, has gained the attention of researchers as a promising technique for the redevelopment of complex tissue or organ structures. Despite significant advancements, a major challenge in 3D bioprinting is the limited number of suitable bioinks that fulfil the physiochemical requirements to produce complicated structures. Therefore, there is a demand for the production of bioinks for 3D bioprinting techniques. In this short communication, THP-1 cells encapsulated in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) reinforced gelatin and alginate bioink was prepared. The study investigated the impact on the cells during printing using a fluorescence cell image. The results showed that the pure polymer bioinks demonstrated poor printability properties with the incorporation of cells. However, BNNT-combined bioink showed a significant increase in structural integrity even after the incorporation of cells. Furthermore, the scaffold structure was successfully printed with the cells incorporated bioink, and a considerable number of live cells were observed. With further studies, BNNTs as a promising nanomaterial for formulating bioink encapsulated with cells can be understood fully. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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19 pages, 3940 KiB  
Article
Thermosensitive Hydrogels Loaded with Resveratrol Nanoemulsion: Formulation Optimization by Central Composite Design and Evaluation in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines
by Sabna Kotta, Hibah Mubarak Aldawsari, Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin, Anroop B. Nair, Mohammed Kaleem and Mahmood Hassan Dalhat
Gels 2022, 8(7), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8070450 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2257
Abstract
The second most common cause of mortality among women is breast cancer. A variety of natural compounds have been demonstrated to be beneficial in the management of various malignancies. Resveratrol is a promising anticancer polyphenolic compound found in grapes, berries, etc. Nevertheless, its [...] Read more.
The second most common cause of mortality among women is breast cancer. A variety of natural compounds have been demonstrated to be beneficial in the management of various malignancies. Resveratrol is a promising anticancer polyphenolic compound found in grapes, berries, etc. Nevertheless, its low solubility, and hence its low bioavailability, restrict its therapeutic potential. Therefore, in our study, we developed a thermosensitive hydrogel formulation loaded with resveratrol nanoemulsion to enhance its bioavailability. Initially, resveratrol nanoemulsions were formulated and optimized utilizing a central composite-face-centered design. The independent variables for optimization were surfactant level, homogenization speed, and time, while the size and zeta potential were the dependent variables. The optimized nanoemulsion formulation was converted into a sensitive hydrogel using poloxamer 407. Rheological studies proved the formation of gel consistency at physiological temperature. Drug loading efficiency and in vitro drug release from gels were also analyzed. The drug release mechanisms from the gels were assessed using various mathematical models. The effect of the optimized thermosensitive resveratrol nanoemulsion hydrogel on the viability of human breast cancer cells was tested using MCF-7 cancer cell lines. The globule size of the selected formulation was 111.54 ± 4.16 nm, with a zeta potential of 40.96 ± 3.1 mV. Within 6 h, the in vitro release profile demonstrated a release rate of 80%. According to cell line studies, the produced hydrogel of resveratrol nanoemulsion was cytotoxic to breast cancer cells. Overall, the results proved the developed nanoemulsion-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel is a promising platform for the effective delivery of resveratrol for the management of breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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Review

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12 pages, 1377 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Hydrogels via Diels–Alder Crosslinking: Design and Applications
by Sofia M. Morozova
Gels 2023, 9(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020102 - 24 Jan 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2477
Abstract
The Diels–Alder (DA) reaction is a promising tool for obtaining covalently crosslinked hydrogels due to its reaction bioorthogonality, the absence of by-products, and the application of mild conditions without a catalyst. The resulting hydrogels are in demand for use in various fields of [...] Read more.
The Diels–Alder (DA) reaction is a promising tool for obtaining covalently crosslinked hydrogels due to its reaction bioorthogonality, the absence of by-products, and the application of mild conditions without a catalyst. The resulting hydrogels are in demand for use in various fields of materials science and biomedicine. While the dynamic nature of the cycloaddition of diene and dienophile has previously been used extensively for the fabrication of self-healing materials, it has only recently spread to the expansion of the functional properties of polymer gels for bioapplications. This review describes strategies and recent examples of obtaining hydrogels based on the DA reaction, demonstrating that the emerging functional properties go beyond self-healing. The types of classifications of hydrogels are listed, depending on the type of reaction and the nature of the components. Examples of obtaining hydrogels based on the normal and inverse electron-demand DA reaction, as well as the application of hydrogels for cell culture, drug delivery, injectable gels, and wound dressings, are considered. In conclusion, possible developmental directions are discussed, including the use of diene–dienophile pairs with a low temperature for the reversal of DA reaction, the modification of nanoparticles by diene and/or dienophile fragments, and new applications such as ink for 3D printing, sensing hydrogels, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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26 pages, 9793 KiB  
Review
Development of Functional Hybrid Polymers and Gel Materials for Sustainable Membrane-Based Water Treatment Technology: How to Combine Greener and Cleaner Approaches
by Giulia Rando, Silvia Sfameni and Maria Rosaria Plutino
Gels 2023, 9(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010009 - 24 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2155
Abstract
Water quality and disposability are among the main challenges that governments and societies will outside during the next years due to their close relationship to population growth and urbanization and their direct influence on the environment and socio-economic development. Potable water suitable for [...] Read more.
Water quality and disposability are among the main challenges that governments and societies will outside during the next years due to their close relationship to population growth and urbanization and their direct influence on the environment and socio-economic development. Potable water suitable for human consumption is a key resource that, unfortunately, is strongly limited by anthropogenic pollution and climate change. In this regard, new groups of compounds, referred to as emerging contaminants, represent a risk to human health and living species; they have already been identified in water bodies as a result of increased industrialization. Pesticides, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, organic dyes, and other man-made chemicals indispensable for modern society are among the emerging pollutants of difficult remediation by traditional methods of wastewater treatment. However, the majority of the currently used waste management and remediation techniques require significant amounts of energy and chemicals, which can themselves be sources of secondary pollution. Therefore, this review reported newly advanced, efficient, and sustainable techniques and approaches for water purification. In particular, new advancements in sustainable membrane-based filtration technologies are discussed, together with their modification through a rational safe-by-design to modulate their hydrophilicity, porosity, surface characteristics, and adsorption performances. Thus, their preparation by the use of biopolymer-based gels is described, as well as their blending with functional cross-linkers or nanofillers or by advanced and innovative approaches, such as electrospinning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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17 pages, 2004 KiB  
Review
A Review on Novel Channel Materials for Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements—Usability of Hydrogels in Cardiovascular Applications
by Christina Maria Winkler, Antonia Isabel Kuhn, Gesine Hentschel and Birgit Glasmacher
Gels 2022, 8(8), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8080502 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2429
Abstract
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an optical and contactless measurement method for analyzing fluid blood dynamics in cardiovascular research. The main challenge to visualization investigated in the current research was matching the channel material’s index of refraction (IOR) to that of the fluid. [...] Read more.
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an optical and contactless measurement method for analyzing fluid blood dynamics in cardiovascular research. The main challenge to visualization investigated in the current research was matching the channel material’s index of refraction (IOR) to that of the fluid. Silicone is typically used as a channel material for these applications, so optical matching cannot be proven. This review considers hydrogel as a new PIV channel material for IOR matching. The advantages of hydrogels are their optical and mechanical properties. Hydrogels swell more than 90 vol% when hydrated in an aqueous solution and have an elastic behavior. This paper aimed to review single, double, and triple networks and nanocomposite hydrogels with suitable optical and mechanical properties to be used as PIV channel material, with a focus on cardiovascular applications. The properties are summarized in seven hydrogel groups: PAMPS, PAA, PVA, PAAm, PEG and PEO, PSA, and PNIPA. The reliability of the optical properties is related to low IORs, which allow higher light transmission. On the other hand, elastic modulus, tensile/compressive stress, and nominal tensile/compressive strain are higher for multiple-cross-linked and nanocomposite hydrogels than single mono-cross-linked gels. This review describes methods for measuring optical and mechanical properties, e.g., refractometry and mechanical testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Gels)
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