GelsPub Date : 2025-01-16DOI: 10.3390/gels11010072
Anita Ioana Visan, Irina Negut
{"title":"Environmental and Wastewater Treatment Applications of Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogels.","authors":"Anita Ioana Visan, Irina Negut","doi":"10.3390/gels11010072","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stimulus-responsive hydrogels have emerged as versatile materials for environmental and wastewater treatment applications due to their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This review highlights recent advances in the design, synthesis, and functionalization of such hydrogels, focusing on their environmental applications. Various synthesis techniques, including radical polymerization, grafting, and copolymerization, enable the development of hydrogels with tailored properties such as enhanced adsorption capacity, selectivity, and reusability. The incorporation of nanoparticles and bio-based polymers further improves their structural integrity and pollutant removal efficiency. Key mechanisms such as adsorption, ion exchange, and photodegradation are discussed, emphasizing their roles in removing heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants from wastewater. Additionally, this review presents the potential of hydrogels for oil-water separation, pathogen control, and future sustainability through integration into circular economy frameworks. The adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness of these hydrogels make them promising candidates for large-scale environmental remediation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765053/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032801","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":"Machine Learning Models for Predicting Thermal Properties of Radiative Cooling Aerogels.","authors":"Chengce Yuan, Yimin Shi, Zhichen Ba, Daxin Liang, Jing Wang, Xiaorui Liu, Yabei Xu, Junreng Liu, Hongbo Xu","doi":"10.3390/gels11010070","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The escalating global climate crisis and energy challenges have made the development of efficient radiative cooling materials increasingly urgent. This study presents a machine-learning-based model for predicting the performance of radiative cooling aerogels (RCAs). The model integrated multiple parameters, including the material composition (matrix material type and proportions), modification design (modifier type and content), optical properties (solar reflectance and infrared emissivity), and environmental factors (solar irradiance and ambient temperature) to achieve accurate cooling performance predictions. A comparative analysis of various machine learning algorithms revealed that an optimized XGBoost model demonstrated superior predictive performance, achieving an R<sup>2</sup> value of 0.943 and an RMSE of 1.423 for the test dataset. An interpretability analysis using Shapley additive explanations (SHAPs) identified a ZnO modifier (SHAP value, 1.523) and environmental parameters (ambient temperature, 1.299; solar irradiance, 0.979) as the most significant determinants of cooling performance. A feature interaction analysis further elucidated the complex interplay between the material composition and environmental conditions, providing theoretical guidance for material optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032143","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":"Development, Optimization, and Stability Study of a Yataprasen Film-Forming Spray for Musculoskeletal Pain Management.","authors":"Jaenjira Angsusing, Weerasak Samee, Sarin Tadtong, Supachoke Mangmool, Siriporn Okonogi, Nopparut Toolmal, Chuda Chittasupho","doi":"10.3390/gels11010064","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yataprasen (YTPS) remedy ethanolic spray, one of the National Thai Traditional Medicine Formulary, is extensively employed in Thai traditional healthcare to manage musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Despite its widespread use, the quality and stability of the YTPS formulation, critical to its efficacy, safety, and patient adherence, have not been comprehensively studied. This research developed and optimized a film-forming spray (FFS) formulation of YTPS ethanolic extract and conducted a 6-month stability evaluation. The FFS shares similarities with gel formulations, particularly in its ability to form a cohesive, semi-solid film upon application, enhancing localized drug delivery and prolonged contact time. Key physicochemical properties, including density (0.8450-0.9086 g/cm<sup>3</sup>), pH (4.72-4.95), spray angle (55.58-60.10°), evaporation time (1.04-1.27 min), and theoretical film thickness (7.72-13.97 µm), were analyzed across varying storage conditions. Active components β-amyrin and stigmasterol demonstrated retention rates of 96.78% and 68.22%, respectively, under refrigerated conditions, with degradation rates accelerating at higher temperatures. Significant variations in density, spray angle, film thickness, and stigmasterol concentration were observed. Additionally, the RP-HPLC method was validated for the accurate and precise quantification of the bioactive compounds such as β-amyrin and stigmasterol, demonstrating excellent linearity within a 10-100 µg/mL range for both compounds with excellent linearity R<sup>2</sup> > 0.999. The results confirmed that YTPS-FFS exhibits good stability and that the validated HPLC method is reliable for routine quality control. These findings supported the potential of YTPS-FFS formulation as a standardized and effective dosage form for managing musculoskeletal conditions, advancing its role in modernized traditional medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032754","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.3390/gels11010065
Maria Cláudia Almeida Issa, Renata M M Viana, Paulo R de Souza Mendes, Mônica F Naccache, Priscila R Varges, Eliana P Marín Castaño, Eliandre Palermo
{"title":"Analysis of Morphologic and Rheological Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Fillers to Body Contouring and Its Clinical Correlation.","authors":"Maria Cláudia Almeida Issa, Renata M M Viana, Paulo R de Souza Mendes, Mônica F Naccache, Priscila R Varges, Eliana P Marín Castaño, Eliandre Palermo","doi":"10.3390/gels11010065","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The demand for minimally invasive body contouring procedures, particularly for gluteal augmentation, has grown significantly. This study evaluates the morphologic and rheological properties of four commercially available hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers used for body contouring and explores their clinical implications. Critical parameters such as storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″), complex modulus (G*), and damping factor (tan δ) were measured using oscillatory rheological tests to assess each filler's elasticity, viscosity, and viscoelastic profile. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to analyze the microstructure of the fillers, providing insights into their microscopic architecture. The results showed differences in mechanical properties and viscoelastic behavior among the fillers. These variations suggest that the choice of filler may need to be tailored to specific body contouring requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for achieving the best clinical results and patient satisfaction, helping professionals select the most suitable filler for each case.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032729","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.3390/gels11010067
Xueting Xuan, Yi Li, Xing Xu, Zhouyi Pan, Yu Li, Yonghao Luo, Li Sun
{"title":"Three-Dimensional Printable Magnetic Hydrogels with Adjustable Stiffness and Adhesion for Magnetic Actuation and Magnetic Hyperthermia Applications.","authors":"Xueting Xuan, Yi Li, Xing Xu, Zhouyi Pan, Yu Li, Yonghao Luo, Li Sun","doi":"10.3390/gels11010067","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stimuli-responsive hydrogels hold immense promise for biomedical applications, but conventional gelation processes often struggle to achieve the precision and complexity required for advanced functionalities such as soft robotics, targeted drug delivery, and tissue engineering. This study introduces a class of 3D-printable magnetic hydrogels with tunable stiffness, adhesion, and magnetic responsiveness, prepared through a simple and efficient \"one-pot\" method. This approach enables precise control over the hydrogel's mechanical properties, with an elastic modulus ranging from 43 kPa to 277 kPa, tensile strength from 93 kPa to 421 kPa, and toughness from 243 kJ/m<sup>3</sup> to 1400 kJ/m<sup>3</sup>, achieved by modulating the concentrations of acrylamide (AM) and Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles. These hydrogels exhibit rapid heating under an alternating magnetic field, reaching 44.4 °C within 600 s at 15 wt%, demonstrating the potential for use in mild magnetic hyperthermia. Furthermore, the integration of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles and nanoclay into the AM precursor optimizes the rheological properties and ensures high printability, enabling the fabrication of complex, high-fidelity structures through extrusion-based 3D printing. Compared to existing magnetic hydrogels, our 3D-printable platform uniquely combines adjustable mechanical properties, strong adhesion, and multifunctionality, offering enhanced capabilities for use in magnetic actuation and hyperthermia in biomedical applications. This advancement marks a significant step toward the scalable production of next-generation intelligent hydrogels for precision medicine and bioengineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032980","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.3390/gels11010066
Huisoo Jang, Junhyeon Jeon, Mingyeong Shin, Geonha Kang, Hyunil Ryu, Sun Min Kim, Tae-Joon Jeon
{"title":"Polydiacetylene (PDA) Embedded Polymer-Based Network Structure for Biosensor Applications.","authors":"Huisoo Jang, Junhyeon Jeon, Mingyeong Shin, Geonha Kang, Hyunil Ryu, Sun Min Kim, Tae-Joon Jeon","doi":"10.3390/gels11010066","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biosensors, which combine physical transducers with biorecognition elements, have seen significant advancement due to the heightened interest in rapid diagnostic technologies across a number of fields, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. In particular, polydiacetylene (PDA) is gaining attention as an ideal material for label-free colorimetric biosensor development due to its unique color-changing properties in response to external stimuli. PDA forms through the self-assembly of diacetylene monomers, with color change occurring as its conjugated backbone twists in response to stimuli such as temperature, pH, and chemical interactions. This color change enables the detection of biomarkers, metal ions, and toxic compounds. Moreover, the combination of PDA with polymeric structures including hydrogels further enhances the sensitivity and structural stability of PDA-based biosensors, making them reliable and effective in complex biological and environmental conditions. This review comprehensively examines recent research trends and applications of PDA-polymeric structure hybrid biosensors, while discussing future directions and potential advancements in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764618/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032698","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.3390/gels11010068
Vania Ilcheva, Victor Boev, Mariela Dimitrova, Borislava Mladenova, Daniela Karashanova, Elefteria Lefterova, Natalia Rey-Raap, Ana Arenillas, Antonia Stoyanova
{"title":"Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Capacitance Performance of Hydrothermally Prepared MnO<sub>2</sub> for Carbon Xerogel-Based Solid-State Supercapacitors.","authors":"Vania Ilcheva, Victor Boev, Mariela Dimitrova, Borislava Mladenova, Daniela Karashanova, Elefteria Lefterova, Natalia Rey-Raap, Ana Arenillas, Antonia Stoyanova","doi":"10.3390/gels11010068","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, the potential to modify the phase structure and morphology of manganese dioxide synthesized via the hydrothermal route was explored. A series of samples were prepared at different synthesis temperatures (100, 120, 140, and 160 °C) using KMnO<sub>4</sub> and MnSO<sub>4</sub>·H<sub>2</sub>O as precursors. The phase composition and morphology of the materials were analyzed using various physicochemical methods. The results showed that, at the lowest synthesis temperature (100 °C), an intercalation compound with composition K<sub>1.39</sub>Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub> and a very small amount of α-MnO<sub>2</sub> was formed. At higher temperatures (120-160 °C), the amount of α-MnO<sub>2</sub> increased, indicating the formation of two clearly distinguished crystal structures. The sample obtained at 160 °C exhibited the highest specific surface area (approximately 157 m<sup>2</sup>/g). These two-phase (α-MnO<sub>2</sub>/K<sub>1.39</sub>Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>) materials, synthesized at the lowest and highest temperatures, respectively, and containing an appropriate amount of carbon xerogel, were tested as active mass for positive electrodes in a solid-state supercapacitor, using a Na<sub>+</sub>-form Aquivion<sup>®</sup> membrane as the polymer electrolyte. The electrochemical evaluation showed that the composite with the higher specific surface area, containing 75% manganese dioxide, demonstrated improved characteristics, including 96% capacitance retention after 5000 charge/discharge cycles and high energy efficiency (approximately 99%). These properties highlight its potential for application in solid-state supercapacitors.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032827","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-13DOI: 10.3390/gels11010062
Hong-Yan Yan, Shao-Bing Zhang
{"title":"Peanut and Soy Protein-Based Emulsion Gels Loaded with Curcumin as a New Fat Substitute in Sausages: A Comparative Study.","authors":"Hong-Yan Yan, Shao-Bing Zhang","doi":"10.3390/gels11010062","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the complete or partial substitution (0, 20, 40, and 100%) of the pork backfat in prepared sausage with protein emulsion gels loaded with curcumin. The effects of three protein emulsion gels (i.e., peanut proteins, ultrasound-modified peanut proteins, and soy proteins) on sausage characteristics (cooking loss, textural properties, microstructure, sensory characteristics, and antioxidant activity) were investigated and compared using a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple tests. The results revealed that the addition of each emulsion gel reduced cooking loss and improved the textural properties of the sausages in a dose-dependent manner. When 20% of pork backfat was substituted with untreated or ultrasound-modified peanut protein emulsion gel (PPEG), cooking loss decreased to a greater extent than when soy protein emulsion gel (SPEG) was used. However, the latter yielded higher cohesiveness and resilience at the same substitution levels. Compared with untreated PPEG, the sausages containing modified PPEG (at 200 W for 20 min) had significantly greater resilience and a denser microstructure. In addition, when 100% of pork backfat was substituted with modified PPEG, the sausages had desirable sensory characteristics. All sausages enriched with protein emulsion gels loaded with curcumin presented higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacities than the control sausages. The sausages prepared with the modified PPEG had the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 37.43 ± 0.35%; ABTS: 39.48 ± 0.50%; TBARS: 0.65 ± 0.05 mg MDA/Kg), which may be attributed to the increased stability of curcumin in the modified PPEG with a denser network structure. Therefore, ultrasound-modified PPEG loaded with curcumin can be used as a new fat substitute in functional sausages or other healthy meat products.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765018/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032588","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-13DOI: 10.3390/gels11010063
Quanlong Wu, Mengyin Deng, Ruoyu Mao, Na Yang, Ya Hao, Manli Cao, Da Teng, Jianhua Wang
{"title":"Self-Assembled Peptide Hydrogels PPI45 and PPI47: Novel Drug Candidates for <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Infection Treatment.","authors":"Quanlong Wu, Mengyin Deng, Ruoyu Mao, Na Yang, Ya Hao, Manli Cao, Da Teng, Jianhua Wang","doi":"10.3390/gels11010063","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, a prevalent zoonotic pathogen, poses a significant threat to skin wound infections. This study evaluates the bactericidal efficacy of self-assembled peptide hydrogels, PPI45 and PPI47, derived from the defensin-derived peptide PPI42, against <i>S. aureus</i> ATCC43300. The high-level preparation of PPI45 and PPI47 was achieved with yields of 1.82 g/L and 2.13 g/L, which are 2.19 and 2.60 times the yield of PPI42. Additionally, the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of the peptides at pH 7.4 for PPI42, PPI45, and PPI47 were determined to be 245 µg/mL, 973 µg/mL, and 1016 µg/mL, respectively. At a concentration of 3 mg/mL, the viscosities of the gels were 52,500 mPa·s, 33,700 mPa·s, and 3480 mPa·s for PPI42, PPI45, and PPI47. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that all peptides exhibited long, pearl necklace-like protofibrils. These peptides demonstrated potent bactericidal activity, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4-16 µg/mL against <i>S. aureus</i>, and a sustained effect post-drug clearance. Flow cytometry analysis after 2×MIC peptides treatment for 2 h revealed a 20-38% membrane disruption rate in bacteria, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of membrane damage and bacterial collapse. The peptide treatment also led to reduced hyperpolarized membrane potential. In vitro safety assessments indicated minimal hemolytic activity on murine red blood cells and low cytotoxicity on human immortalized epidermal cells (HaCaT). In summary, this work lays a valuable cornerstone for the future design and characterization of self-assembling antimicrobial peptides hydrogels to combat <i>S. aureus</i> infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11764660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032926","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}
GelsPub Date : 2025-01-12DOI: 10.3390/gels11010061
Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Adina-Elena Segneanu, Cornelia Bejenaru, Ionela Amalia Bradu, Titus Vlase, Dumitru-Daniel Herea, Marius Ciprian Văruţ, Roxana Maria Bălăşoiu, Andrei Biţă, Antonia Radu, George Dan Mogoşanu, Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu
{"title":"Thermoresponsive Gels with Rosemary Essential Oil: A Novel Topical Carrier for Antimicrobial Therapy and Drug Delivery Applications.","authors":"Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Adina-Elena Segneanu, Cornelia Bejenaru, Ionela Amalia Bradu, Titus Vlase, Dumitru-Daniel Herea, Marius Ciprian Văruţ, Roxana Maria Bălăşoiu, Andrei Biţă, Antonia Radu, George Dan Mogoşanu, Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu","doi":"10.3390/gels11010061","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11010061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the development and comprehensive characterization of innovative thermoresponsive gels incorporating rosemary essential oil (RoEO) encapsulated in poly(lactic-<i>co</i>-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles, with a focus on their potential applications in topical antimicrobial and wound healing therapies. RoEO, renowned for its robust antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, was subjected to detailed chemical profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified oxygenated monoterpenes as its dominant constituents. PLGA microparticles were synthesized through an optimized oil-in-water emulsion technique, ensuring high encapsulation efficiency and structural integrity. These microparticles were thoroughly characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm functional group interactions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystalline properties, and thermal analysis for stability assessment. The synthesized microparticles displayed uniform size distribution and efficient encapsulation, demonstrating compatibility with the gel matrix. Two distinct thermoresponsive gel formulations were developed using varying ratios of Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188 to achieve optimal performance. The gels were evaluated for key physicochemical properties, including pH, gelation temperature, viscosity, and rheological behavior. Both formulations exhibited thermoresponsive gelation at skin-compatible temperatures (27.6 °C and 32.9 °C), favorable pH levels (6.63 and 6.40), and shear-thinning behavior suitable for topical application. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against common pathogens associated with skin infections, including <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and <i>Candida albicans</i>. The RoEO-PLGA-loaded gels demonstrated significant inhibitory effects, confirming their potential as effective carriers for controlled and localized drug delivery. These findings underscore the promising application of RoEO-PLGA-loaded thermoresponsive gels in addressing challenges associated with topical antimicrobial therapies and wound care, offering an innovative approach to enhancing therapeutic outcomes. By integrating the bioactive potential of RoEO with the advanced delivery capabilities of PLGA microparticles and thermoresponsive gels, this study paves the way for the development of next-generation formulations tailored to meet the specific needs of localized drug delivery in skin health management.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11765333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143032938","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}