Gels最新文献

{"title":"Stress Overshoot Analysis in Flow Start-Up Tests: Aging Time Fitting of the Different Gel-Based Drilling Fluids.","authors":"Luis H Quitian-Ardila, Raquel S Schimicoscki, Yamid J Garcia-Blanco, Eduardo M Germer, Vladimir Ballesteros-Ballesteros, Oriana Palma Calabokis, Admilson T Franco","doi":"10.3390/gels11020127","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drilling fluids are essential for maintaining cutting suspension during drilling, exhibiting gel-like behavior at rest and liquid-like behavior under shearing. These fluids display shear-thinning behavior, yield stress, and thixotropy. This study investigates the impact of aging time on stress overshoot and the deformation required to disrupt the gelled structure of water-based and synthetic-based drilling fluids. Flow start-up tests were conducted using a rotational rheometer at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure. The results show that aging time significantly affects both stress overshoot and the shear strain needed to disrupt the gelled structure. Longer aging times reduce the strain required to break the structure, indicating a correlation between aging time and stress overshoot. The fitted model strongly correlates with the experimental data, providing valuable insights for the planning and simulation of offshore drilling wells, primarily in well stability.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual-Function Hydrogel Coating on Silicone Urinary Catheters with Durable Antibacterial Property and Lubricity.","authors":"Shuai Gao, Wei Zeng, Zheng Liu, Fanjun Zhang, Yunfeng Zhang, Xi Liu, Dimeng Wu, Yunbing Wang","doi":"10.3390/gels11020128","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Silicone urinary catheters are broadly employed in medical practice. However, they are susceptible to inducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) due to bacterial adherence to the catheter's surface, and they exhibit a high friction coefficient, which can greatly affect their effectiveness and functionality. Thus, the development of a silicone urinary catheter with antibacterial properties and lubricity is in strong demand. We hereby developed a poly(vinyl acetate) carrier coating to load chlorhexidine acetate and applied a hydrogel coating primarily composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), which was then coated onto the silicone urinary catheters and cured through a thermal curing process and could provide lubricity. Subsequently, we analyzed its surface characteristics and assessed the antibacterial property, lubricity, cytotoxicity, and potential for vaginal irritation. The findings from the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle (WCA), inhibition zone measurements, and friction coefficient analysis confirmed the successful modification of the silicone urinary catheter. Additionally, the outcomes from the cytotoxicity and vaginal irritation assessments demonstrated that the dual-function hydrogel coating-coated silicone urinary catheters exhibit outstanding biocompatibility. This study illustrates that the prepared silicone urinary catheters possess durable antibacterial properties and lubricity, which thus gives them broad clinical application prospects.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854451/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogels for Peripheral Nerve Repair: Emerging Materials and Therapeutic Applications.","authors":"Oana Taisescu, Venera Cristina Dinescu, Alexandra Daniela Rotaru-Zavaleanu, Andrei Gresita, Michael Hadjiargyrou","doi":"10.3390/gels11020126","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020126","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peripheral nerve injuries pose a significant clinical challenge due to the complex biological processes involved in nerve repair and their limited regenerative capacity. Despite advances in surgical techniques, conventional treatments, such as nerve autografts, are faced with limitations like donor site morbidity and inconsistent functional outcomes. As such, there is a growing interest in new, novel, and innovative strategies to enhance nerve regeneration. Tissue engineering/regenerative medicine and its use of biomaterials is an emerging example of an innovative strategy. Within the realm of tissue engineering, functionalized hydrogels have gained considerable attention due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, support cell growth and differentiation, and even deliver bioactive molecules that can promote nerve repair. These hydrogels can be engineered to incorporate growth factors, bioactive peptides, and stem cells, creating a conducive microenvironment for cellular growth and axonal regeneration. Recent advancements in materials as well as cell biology have led to the development of sophisticated hydrogel systems, that not only provide structural support, but also actively modulate inflammation, promote cell recruitment, and stimulate neurogenesis. This review explores the potential of functionalized hydrogels for peripheral nerve repair, highlighting their composition, biofunctionalization, and mechanisms of action. A comprehensive analysis of preclinical studies provides insights into the efficacy of these hydrogels in promoting axonal growth, neuronal survival, nerve regeneration, and, ultimately, functional recovery. Thus, this review aims to illuminate the promise of functionalized hydrogels as a transformative tool in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration, bridging the gap between biological complexity and clinical feasibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanogels-Innovative Drug Carriers for Overcoming Biological Membranes.","authors":"Lyubomira Radeva, Krassimira Yoncheva","doi":"10.3390/gels11020124","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanogels are promising drug delivery systems since they possess undeniable advantages such as high loading capacity for hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, stabilization of sensitive drugs, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The present review summarizes experimental studies related to carriers, drug loading, and membrane transport of nanogels. In particular, the review discusses the properties, advantages, and limitations of polymeric carriers with respect to the behavior of the prepared nanogels in in vivo conditions. The potential of nanogel systems for encapsulation of hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs and the mechanisms of loading and drug release are also emphasized. Moreover, the challenges related to nanogel transport through the barriers presented in parenteral, oral, ocular, nasal, and dermal routes of administration are also considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Gel Systems with Natural Extracts: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Applications, and Sustainable Innovations.","authors":"Arthitaya Kawee-Ai","doi":"10.3390/gels11020125","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of natural extracts into gel systems has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance functional properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and therapeutic effects. This review underscores the remarkable potential of natural extract-enriched gels, which effectively combine sustainability with improved functionality. These bioactive compounds, sourced from plants and animals, encompass polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, chitosan, proteins, and polysaccharides. They provide an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic additives and find applications across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food packaging. Despite their promise, challenges remain, such as the variability in natural extract composition, the stability of bioactive compounds, and scalability for industrial use. To address these issues, innovative strategies like nanoencapsulation, responsive hydrogels, and AI-driven optimization have demonstrated significant progress. Additionally, emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and adherence to circular economy principles, further enhance the versatility, efficiency, and sustainability of these systems. By integrating these advanced tools and methodologies, gel systems enriched with natural extracts are well-positioned to meet contemporary consumer and industrial demands for multifunctional and eco-friendly products. These innovations not only improve performance but also align with global sustainability goals, setting the stage for widespread adoption and continued development in various fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11855317/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in Wound Dressing Materials: Highlighting Recent Progress in Hydrogels, Foams, and Antimicrobial Dressings.","authors":"Adina Alberts, Dana-Ionela Tudorache, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu","doi":"10.3390/gels11020123","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent advancements in wound dressing materials have significantly improved acute and chronic wound management by addressing challenges such as infection control, moisture balance, and enhanced healing. Important progress has been made, especially with hydrogels, foams, and antimicrobial materials for creating optimized dressings. Hydrogels are known for maintaining optimal moisture levels, while foam dressings are excellent exudate absorbents. Meanwhile, antimicrobial dressing incorporates various antimicrobial agents to reduce infection risks. These dressing options reduce wound healing time while focusing on customized patient needs. Therefore, this review highlights the newest research materials and prototypes for wound healing applications, emphasizing their particular benefits and clinical importance. Innovations such as stimuli-responsive hydrogels and hybrid bioengineered composites are discussed in relation to their enhanced properties, including responsiveness to pH, temperature, glucose, or enzymes and drug delivery precision. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials have been included, demonstrating the potential of emerging solutions to be soon translated from the laboratory to clinical settings. By discussing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate advanced materials, nanotechnology, and biological insights, this work provides a contemporary framework for patient-centric, efficient wound care strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854827/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Single-Chain Polymeric Nanoparticles to Interpenetrating Polymer Network Organogels: A One-Pot Fabrication Approach.","authors":"Selin Daglar, Demet Karaca Balta, Binnur Aydogan Temel, Gokhan Temel","doi":"10.3390/gels11020122","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we developed a novel one-pot synthesis method to fabricate well-defined single-chain polymeric nanoparticles (SCNPs) integrated with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) systems. The synthesis process involved an initial intramolecular crosslinking of poly(methyl methacrylate-<i>co</i>-glycidyl methacrylate) to form SCNP followed by intermolecular crosslinking to produce single-chain nanogel (SCNG) structures. In addition, the achieved single-chain polymeric nanoparticle was subsequently incorporated into an IPN structure through urethane bond formation and a Diels-Alder click reaction involving furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) and bismaleimide (BMI). The thermal properties, swelling behaviors, and morphologies of the resulting SCNP-IPN systems were investigated. This work presents a novel strategy that integrates the single-chain folding concept with IPN systems, providing a promising platform for the development of robust and functional polymeric materials with potential applications in advanced materials science.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Construction of a 'Simple, Fast and Accurate' Evaluation Method for Profile Control and Plugging Effect of Gel Plugging Agent Based on Simulations.","authors":"Zengbao Wang, Junjie Jiang, Weian Huang, Yuwei Gan, Yingrui Bai","doi":"10.3390/gels11020115","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>At present, the evaluation perspective of the gel plugging agent assessment method is incomprehensive, due to which the experimental results deviate from the field data. By analyzing the current indoor evaluation methods and the factors controlling the sealing capability of gel plugging agents, an experimental device and method for evaluating the blocking effect of oilfield gel plugging agents has been designed. In contrast to traditional assessment methods, the proposed approach offers advantages such as simple operation, rapid experimentation, and accurate results. The experimental results show that gels selected using conventional methods are inconsistent with the results of plugging displacement tests. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that these methods focus solely on cohesive strength while neglecting adhesive strength. Considering that the evaluation perspective of conventional methods is relatively limited, an evaluation method for the sealing effect of the plugging agent was developed. This method comprehensively incorporates factors such as cohesion strength, adhesion capability, shear resistance, and the long-term anti-dehydration performance of the gel. The evaluation results of the method were consistent with the results of the plugging displacement experiments. The newly constructed method defines <i>Γ</i> as the comprehensive evaluation parameter for the gel. A new experimental system with a comprehensive evaluation index (<i>Γ</i>) of 8.97 Pa² was selected. After the profile control of the system, the effluent ratio of the high and low permeability layers reached 1:9, and its erosion resistance was greater than 20 PV. Meanwhile, the profile control effect was also stable. Through verification based on field data, the injection pressure of the system optimized by the proposed method was found to be 2.5 times higher than that of the original system. Meanwhile, the plugging validity period was >2 times of the original system. The test results were consistent with the plugging capability evaluation index. In summary, the performance evaluation method of the designed gel plugging agent was reasonable in principle and the results were accurate and reliable. Therefore, it is considered to be of guiding significance for the selection of efficient profile control plugging agents in oilfields.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854490/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Release of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 from Hydrogels for Bone Regeneration.","authors":"Tyus J Yeingst, Angelica M Helton, Ferdousi S Rawnaque, Julien H Arrizabalaga, Dino J Ravnic, Julianna C Simon, Daniel J Hayes","doi":"10.3390/gels11020120","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An ultrasound-responsive hydrogel system was developed that provides on-demand release when stimulated by focused ultrasound (fUS). Diels-Alder cycloadducts crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels and underwent a retrograde Diels-Alder reaction when exposed to fUS. Four-arm and eight-arm furan-based Diels-Alder hydrogel compositions were used to evaluate the link between the crosslinking density and the fUS-induced release and retention rates. PEG crosslinked with glutaraldehyde was also used as a non-Diels-Alder control hydrogel. By increasing the exposure time and the amplitude of fUS, the Diels-Alder-based hydrogels exhibited a correlative increase in the release of the entrapped BMP-2. Real-time B-mode imaging was used during fUS to visualize the on-demand degradation of the crosslinking matrix for the release of BMP-2. When monitored with a thermocouple, the increase in temperature observed was minimal in the area surrounding the sample during fUS stimulation, indicating fUS to be an external stimulus which could be used safely for spatiotemporally controlled release. PEG hydrogels were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and compression testing. PEG degradation byproducts were evaluated for cytocompatibility in vitro. Overall, this study demonstrated that Diels-Alder-based PEG hydrogels can encapsulate BMP-2, undergo a retrograde reaction when externally stimulated with fUS, and release active BMP-2 to induce differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative Processing and Sterilization Techniques to Unlock the Potential of Silk Sericin for Biomedical Applications.","authors":"Anabela Veiga, Rosa Ana Ramírez-Jiménez, Víctor Santos-Rosales, Carlos A García-González, Maria Rosa Aguilar, Luis Rojo, Ana L Oliveira","doi":"10.3390/gels11020114","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11020114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Silk sericin (SS), a by-product of the textile industry, has gained significant attention for its biomedical potential due to its biocompatibility and regenerative potential. However, the literature lacks information on SS processing methods and the resulting physicochemical properties. This study represents the first step in protocol optimization and standardization. In the present work, different processing techniques were studied and compared on SS extracted from boiling water: evaporation, rotary evaporation, lyophilization, and dialysis, which presented a recovery yield of approximately 27-32%. The goal was to find the most promising process to concentrate extracted SS solutions, and to ensure that the SS structure was highly preserved. As a result, a new cryo-lyophilization methodology was proposed. The proposed method allows for the preservation of the amorphous structure, which offers significant advantages including complete dissolution in water and PBS, an increase in storage stability, and the possibility of scaling-up, making it highly suitable for industrial and biomedical applications. The second part of the work focused on addressing another challenge in SS processing: efficient and non-destructive sterilization. Supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) has been gaining momentum in the last years for sterilizing sensitive biopolymers and biological materials due to its non-toxicity and mild processing conditions. Thus, scCO₂ technology was validated as a mild technique for the terminal sterilization of SS. In this way, it was possible to engineer a sequential cryo-lyophilization/scCO₂ sterilization process which was able to preserve the original properties of this natural silk protein. Overall, we have valorized SS into a sterile, off-the-shelf, bioactive, and water-soluble material, with the potential to be used in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854797/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}