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Gels
Special Issues
Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions
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Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 3674

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Georgia Kythreoti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The American College of Greece, 20006 Athens, Greece
Interests: rational drug design studies for the development of novel bioactive compounds; development of affinity and functional assay methodologies; green synthetic approaches; assessment of novel delivery systems for antimicrobial agents
Dr. Michael Arkas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
Interests: dendritic polymers; xerogels; water purification; liquid crystals; metal nanoparticle catalysts; antimicrobial coatings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to contribute a manuscript to a Special Issue of Gels entitled “Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions”. For this Special Issue, both research and review manuscript submissions are welcome for submission.

The delivery of therapeutic agents has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, with hydrogels emerging as an intriguing biomaterial. Hydrogels are smart, environmentally sensitive versatile platforms that offer high water content, biocompatibility and the capacity to protect drugs from degradation.

They are three-dimensional polymeric networks capable of retaining large amounts of water, allowing for effective solubilization of encapsulated hydrophobic drugs. Their biocompatibility ensures minimal toxicity, while they can be designed to be degradable and responsive to specific stimuli that allow controlled release of therapeutic agents.

In addition, hydrogels are very attractive materials for clinical drug-delivery applications since they can be prepared in various physical forms such as nanoparticles, coatings, fibers or films. Therapeutically active agents encapsulated and delivered in nanoforms have notable advantages over the traditional forms since dosages can be significantly reduced.

In this Special Issue, advances in the design of hydrogels as drug delivery systems will be presented, focusing on hydrogel–drug interactions and mechanisms that trigger controlled release and targeted delivery for clinical applications.

In addition, this Special Issue will explore artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approaches for the design of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. AI has recently emerged as an extraordinary tool to enhance drug encapsulation efficiency and optimize the precision of drug release; hence, the latest advancements, challenges and future applications will be presented.   

This Special Issue aims to provide readers with an overview of recent trends in hydrogel delivery systems and future prospects, in light of the need to accelerate the transformation of laboratory research to clinical application.

Dr. Georgia Kythreoti
Dr. Michael Arkas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at mdpi.longhoe.net 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 2100 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

  • natural polymers
  • synthetic polymers
  • biodegradability
  • controlled release
  • drug targeted delivery
  • AI and nanotechnology
  • clinical applications

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3929 KiB  
Article
Integrated In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of a Powder-to-Hydrogel, Film-Forming Polymer Complex Base with Tissue-Protective and Microbiome-Supportive Properties
by Daniel Banov, Guiyun Song, Zahraa Foraida, Oksana Tkachova, Oleksandr Zdoryk and Maria Carvalho
Gels 2024, 10(7), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070447 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 434
Abstract
The study aimed to perform a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a newly developed, patent-pending, powder-to-hydrogel, film-forming polymer complex base, which possesses tissue-protective and microbiome-supportive properties, and to compare its characteristics with poloxamer 407. The study used a combination of [...] Read more.
The study aimed to perform a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a newly developed, patent-pending, powder-to-hydrogel, film-forming polymer complex base, which possesses tissue-protective and microbiome-supportive properties, and to compare its characteristics with poloxamer 407. The study used a combination of in vitro assays, including tissue viability and cell migration, and in vivo wound healing evaluations in male diabetic mice. Microbiome dynamics at wound sites were also analyzed. The in vitro assays demonstrated that the polymer complex base was non-cytotoxic and that it enhanced cell migration over poloxamer 407. In vivo, the polymer complex base demonstrated superior wound healing capabilities, particularly in combination with misoprostol and phenytoin, as evidenced by the reduced wound area and inflammation scores. Microbiome analysis revealed favorable shifts in bacterial populations associated with the polymer complex base-treated wounds. The polymer complex base demonstrates clinical significance in wound care, potentially offering improved healing, safety and microbiome support. Its transformative properties and efficacy in drug delivery make it a promising candidate for advanced wound care applications, particularly in chronic wound management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions)
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17 pages, 3405 KiB  
Article
Chitosan–Type-A-Gelatin Hydrogels Used as Potential Platforms in Tissue Engineering for Drug Delivery
by Hanaa Mehdi-Sefiani, Carmen Mª Granados-Carrera, Alberto Romero, Ernesto Chicardi, Juan Domínguez-Robles and Víctor Manuel Perez-Puyana
Gels 2024, 10(7), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070419 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1223
Abstract
Hydrogels are materials made of crosslinked 3D networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb and retain significant amounts of water due to their hydrophilic structure without being dissolved. In relation to alternative biomaterials, hydrogels offer increased biocompatibility and biodegradability, giving them distinct [...] Read more.
Hydrogels are materials made of crosslinked 3D networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb and retain significant amounts of water due to their hydrophilic structure without being dissolved. In relation to alternative biomaterials, hydrogels offer increased biocompatibility and biodegradability, giving them distinct advantages. Thus, hydrogel platforms are considered to have the potential for the development of biomedical applications. In this study, the main objective was the development of hybrid hydrogels to act as a drug delivery platform. These hydrogels were made from chitosan (CH) and type A gelatin (G), two natural polymers that provide a supportive environment for cellular attachment, viability, and growth, thanks to their unique properties. Particularly, the use of gelatins for drug delivery systems provides biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, which are excellent properties to be used in the human body. However, gelatins have some limitations, such as thermal instability and poor mechanical properties. In order to improve those properties, the aim of this work was the development and characterization of hybrid hydrogels with different ratios of CH–G (100–0, 75–25, 50–50, 25–75, 0–100). Hydrogels were characterized through multiple techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rheological and microstructural studies, among others. Moreover, a model hydrophilic drug molecule (tetracycline) was incorporated to evaluate the feasibility of this platform to sustain the release of hydrophilic drugs, by being tested in a solution of Phosphate Buffer Solution at a pH of 7.2 and at 37 °C. The results revealed that the synergy between chitosan and type A gelatin improved the mechanical properties as well as the thermal stability of it, revealing that the best ratios of the biopolymers are 50–50 CH–G and 75–25 CH–G. Thereby, these systems were evaluated in a controlled release of tetracycline, showing a controlled drug delivery of 6 h and highlighting their promising application as a platform for controlled drug release. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions)
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18 pages, 10118 KiB  
Article
Tissue Regeneration and Remodeling in Rat Models after Application of Hypericum perforatum L. Extract-Loaded Bigels
by Yoana Sotirova, Yoana Kiselova-Kaneva, Deyana Vankova, Oskan Tasinov, Diana Ivanova, Hristo Popov, Minka Hristova, Krastena Nikolova and Velichka Andonova
Gels 2024, 10(5), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050341 - 17 May 2024
Viewed by 719
Abstract
The wound-healing effect of St. John’s Wort (SJW) is mainly attributed to hyperforin (HP), but its low stability restricts its topical administration. This study investigates how “free” HP-rich SJW extract (incorporated into a bigel; B/SJW) and extract “protected” by nanostructured lipid carriers (also [...] Read more.
The wound-healing effect of St. John’s Wort (SJW) is mainly attributed to hyperforin (HP), but its low stability restricts its topical administration. This study investigates how “free” HP-rich SJW extract (incorporated into a bigel; B/SJW) and extract “protected” by nanostructured lipid carriers (also included in a biphasic semisolid; B/NLC-SJW) affect tissue regeneration in a rat skin excision wound model. Wound diameter, histological changes, and tissue gene expression levels of fibronectin (Fn), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were employed to quantify the healing progress. A significant wound size reduction was achieved after applying both extract-containing semisolids, but after a 21-day application period, the smallest wound size was observed in the B/NLC-SJW-treated animals. However, the inflammatory response was affected more favorably by the bigel containing the “free” SJW extract, as evidenced by histological studies. Moreover, after the application of B/SJW, the expression of Fn, MMP8, and TNF-α was significantly higher than in the positive control. In conclusion, both bigel formulations exhibited beneficial effects on wound healing in rat skin, but B/SJW affected skin restoration processes in a comprehensive and more efficient way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions)
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14 pages, 3735 KiB  
Article
The MnO2/GelMA Composite Hydrogels Improve the ROS Microenvironment of Annulus Fibrosus Cells by Promoting the Antioxidant and Autophagy through the SIRT1/NRF2 Pathway
by Bohan Xu, Mingxuan Huang, Jiaying Li, Qingchen Meng, Jie Hu, Qianglong Chen, Hui He, Hao Jiang, Fengxuan Han, Bin Meng and Ting Liang
Gels 2024, 10(5), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050333 - 15 May 2024
Viewed by 873
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a worldwide disease that causes low back pain and reduces quality of life. Biotherapeutic strategies based on tissue engineering alternatives, such as intervertebral disc scaffolds, supplemented by drug-targeted therapy have brought new hope for IVDD. In this study, [...] Read more.
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a worldwide disease that causes low back pain and reduces quality of life. Biotherapeutic strategies based on tissue engineering alternatives, such as intervertebral disc scaffolds, supplemented by drug-targeted therapy have brought new hope for IVDD. In this study, to explore the role and mechanism of MnO2/GelMA composite hydrogels in alleviating IVDD, we prepared composite hydrogels with MnO2 and methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) and characterized them using compression testing and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) were cultured in the composite hydrogels to verify biocompatibility by live/dead and cytoskeleton staining. Cell viability assays and a reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe were used to analyze the protective effect of the composite hydrogels under oxidative damage. To explore the mechanism of improving the microenvironment, we detected the expression levels of antioxidant and autophagy-related genes and proteins by qPCR and Western blotting. We found that the MnO2/GelMA composite hydrogels exhibited excellent biocompatibility and a porous structure, which promoted cell proliferation. The addition of MnO2 nanoparticles to GelMA cleared ROS in AFCs and induced the expression of antioxidant and cellular autophagy through the common SIRT1/NRF2 pathway. Therefore, the MnO2/GelMA composite hydrogels, which can improve the disc microenvironment through scavenging intracellular ROS and resisting oxidative damage, have great application prospects in the treatment of IVDD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels for Therapeutic Delivery: Current Developments and Future Directions)
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