Gels最新文献

{"title":"Advances in Composite Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Wound Healing: Mechanisms and Applications.","authors":"Ke Ding, Mingrui Liao, Yingyu Wang, Jian R Lu","doi":"10.3390/gels11060420","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060420","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of biomaterials for advanced wound healing applications, offering dynamic and controllable responses to the wound microenvironment. These hydrogels are designed to respond to specific stimuli, such as pH, temperature, light, and enzyme activity, enabling precise regulation of drug release, antimicrobial activity, and tissue regeneration. Composite stimuli-responsive hydrogels, by integrating multiple response mechanisms and functions, show potential for addressing the diverse needs of wound healing. This review explores the biological mechanisms of wound healing, the design and classification of composite stimuli-responsive hydrogels, and the key fabrication strategies employed to optimise their properties. Despite their immense potential, unresolved challenges such as biocompatibility, long-term stability, and scalability continue to limit their translation into clinical practice. Future research will focus on integrating hydrogels with smart wearable devices, AI-driven personalised medicine, and 3D bioprinting technologies to develop next-generation wound care solutions. With continuous advancements in biomaterials science and bioengineering, stimuli-responsive hydrogels hold great promise for revolutionising wound management.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483795","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":"Advances in 3D Bioprinting for Corneal Regeneration.","authors":"Juan Hernández, Nicolás Santos, Manuel Ahumada","doi":"10.3390/gels11060422","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Worldwide, millions of people suffer from visual impairments, ranging from partial to total blindness, with far-reaching consequences on personal, societal, and governmental levels. Corneal-related issues are among the leading causes of blindness, with corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) being the primary treatment. However, the demand for donor tissues far exceeds supply. The rise of printing technologies marks a revolution in tissue engineering, with 3D bioprinting at the forefront of developing innovative tissue repair and replacement solutions. The cornea emerges as an ideal candidate for this technology due to its distinct layers (epithelium, stroma, and endothelium). From a materials engineering standpoint, these layers resemble a hydrogel structure that facilitates fabrication. This review explores advancements in 3D bioprinting, focusing on the methodologies developed for corneal tissue engineering. It highlights design and construction aspects, including biomechanical and biocompatibility properties essential for creating synthetic implants and corneal scaffolds through bioprinting. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges and opportunities that could further drive innovation in tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483794","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":"Trends and Future Perspectives of Polysaccharide-Based Bigels from Seeds, Vegetable Oils, and Waxes: A Bibliometric Review.","authors":"Monserrat Sanpedro-Díaz, Alitzel Belem García-Hernández, Ana Luisa Gómez-Gómez, Julia Salgado-Cruz, Oswaldo Arturo Ramos-Monroy, Rubén Oliver-Espinoza, Griselda Argelia Rivera-Vargas, Ma de la Paz Salgado-Cruz","doi":"10.3390/gels11060413","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gels are semi-solid colloidal systems characterized by three-dimensional networks capable of retaining up to 99% of liquid while exhibiting both solid-like and liquid-like properties. A novel biphasic system, the bigel, consists of hydrogel and oleogel, enabling the encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Their structure and functionality are influenced by the distribution of gel phases (e.g., oleogel-in-hydrogel or hydrogel-in-oleogel). This study aims to review current trends in polysaccharide-based bigels derived from seeds, vegetable oils and waxes, highlighting their biocompatibility, sustainability and potential food applications. A bibliometric analysis of 157 documents using VOSviewer identified four key thematic clusters: structured materials, delivery systems, pharmaceutical applications, and physicochemical characterization. Principal component analysis revealed strong correlations between terms, while also highlighting emerging areas such as 3D printing. This analysis demonstrated that seed-derived polysaccharides, including chia seed mucilage and guar gum, improve bigel structure and rheological properties, offering sustainable plant-based alternatives. Additionally, innovations such as extrusion-based 3D printing, functional food design, controlled drug release, bioactive compound delivery, and fat replacement are helping to support the further development of these systems. Finally, bibliometric tools remain instrumental in identifying research gaps and guiding future directions in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483942","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":"Surface Relief Gratings of Slide-Ring Hydrogels for Label-Free Biosensing.","authors":"Aitor Cubells-Gómez, María Isabel Lucío, María-José Bañuls, Ángel Maquieira","doi":"10.3390/gels11060415","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The creation of surface relief gratings using hydrogels for label-free biomolecule detection represents a significant advance in the development of versatile, cutting-edge biosensors. Central to this innovation is the formulation of materials with enhanced mechanical properties, especially for applications in soft, wearable technologies. In this work, we have developed novel biofunctional hydrogels that incorporate slide-ring supramolecular structures into their network, enabling the production of surface relief gratings with superior mechanical characteristics for biomolecule detection without the need for labels. These hydrogels, functionalized with bovine serum albumin and goat anti-rabbit antibodies, demonstrated excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward anti-bovine serum albumin and rabbit IgGs in blood serum, evaluated using a label-free format. Remarkably, the new materials matched the analytical performance of conventional hydrogels based on static networks while offering dramatically improved toughness and elasticity, with a compressive modulus comparable to human skin. This demonstrates the potential of slide-ring hydrogels for fabricating robust, label-free biosensing platforms. Furthermore, the flexibility of this system allows for the incorporation of various recognition elements tailored to specific applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191777/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483961","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":"Spectroscopic Analysis of the Extracellular Matrix in Naked Mole-Rat Temporomandibular Joints.","authors":"Tetsuya Adachi, Hayata Imamura, Toyonari Yaji, Kentaro Mochizuki, Wenliang Zhu, Satoru Shindo, Shunichi Shibata, Keiji Adachi, Toshiro Yamamoto, Fumishige Oseko, Osam Mazda, Kyoko Miura, Toshihisa Kawai, Giuseppe Pezzotti","doi":"10.3390/gels11060414","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060414","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Naked mole-rats are extremely long-living rodents with a maximum lifespan of 37 years, and their cellular aging and tissue aging are almost nonexistent. Therefore, in this study, we aim to analyze the extracellular matrix of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of naked mole-rats at the molecular level and explore the molecules involved in anti-aging and their localization. Micro-computed tomography (CT) scans revealed increased mineral density and wear of the mandibular condyle in aged mice. Conversely, CT scans did not reveal wear of the mandibular condyle in naked mole-rats, and histological analysis did not reveal wear of the articular disk. Using various spectroscopies and artificial intelligence (AI), we found that the articular disk of naked mole-rats is composed of a cartilage-like layer with hyaluronic acid and collagen fibers with varying orientations, which is thought to have relieved mechanical stress and have protected the mandibular condyle. These results suggest that not only the amount, but also the spatial distribution of the extracellular matrix is important for the anti-aging properties of the TMJ, and may contribute to elucidating the pathology of TMJ disorders and other degenerative conditions and developing therapeutic drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483955","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":"Dosimetric Evaluation of the Sensitivity of PAGAT Gel Dosimeters Infused with Clinically Used Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents.","authors":"Melani Fuentealba, Carolina Vallejos, Sergio Díez, Mauricio Santibáñez","doi":"10.3390/gels11060416","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluates the impact of gadolinium-based contrast agents (Omniscan, Dotarem, and Gadovist) on the performance of PAGAT gel dosimeters using spectrophotometric analysis. Dosimeters were infused with gadolinium at concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 mg/mL and irradiated with a 6 MV photon beam over a dose range of 0-15 Gy. Regarding dosimeter behavior, Dotarem exhibited an enhancement in optical density prior to irradiation due to polymerization reactions between the dosimeter and the contrast agent starting at 10 mg/mL, which compromised optical readings above 20 mg/mL. Omniscan consistently showed 37.7% lower sensitivity than standard PAGAT across all concentrations and dose levels. Conversely, Gadovist enhanced sensitivity by up to 50% at 20 mg/mL, with additional gains at higher concentrations, although accompanied by saturation at lower dose levels. Radiological analysis showed that all tested concentrations maintained mass energy-absorption coefficient differences below 1% and water-equivalence in effective atomic number within 5% at 6 MV. These findings underscore the importance of selecting an appropriate contrast agent to enhance gel dosimeter sensitivity, particularly in low-dose regions where measurement uncertainty increases. Additionally, gadolinium-infused PAGAT gels show strong potential for assessing dose enhancement phenomena. Their sensitivity, threshold behavior, and radiological properties suggest they may be suitable for applications in dose enhancement dosimetry as well as conventional clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483902","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":"Effect of Potassium-Ion-Triggered Double Helix Aggregation on Shakedown Behavior of <i>κ</i>-Carrageenan/Polyacrylamide Hydrogel.","authors":"Xueqi Zhao, Yudong Pan, Zhanrong Zhou, Yang Gao, Aijun Li, Binkai Shi, Jian Hu, Liuying Wang","doi":"10.3390/gels11060412","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060412","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the effect of potassium ion (K⁺) concentration on double helix aggregation in <i>κ</i>-carrageenan-based hydrogels, which significantly influences their shakedown behavior. The shakedown behavior of <i>κ</i>-carrageenan/polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels was characterized by the evolution of maximum stress and energy dissipation during cyclic load. The experimental results indicate that higher K⁺ concentrations significantly improve the maximum stress in the steady state, but barely influence the energy dissipation in the steady state. The improved maximum stress can be explained by the higher density of double helix aggregation. The steady energy dissipation elucidates that the K⁺ concentration does not affect the breaking-recovering balance of the sacrificial network in cyclic loading. These results provide mechanistic insights into how ion-triggered double helix aggregation influences the shakedown behavior of <i>κ</i>-carrageenan-based hydrogels.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483909","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":"Constructive Neuroengineering of Crossing Multi-Neurite Wiring Using Modifiable Agarose Gel Platforms.","authors":"Soya Hagiwara, Kazuhiro Tsuneishi, Naoya Takada, Kenji Yasuda","doi":"10.3390/gels11060419","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060419","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Constructing stable and flexible neuronal networks with multi-neurite wiring is essential for the in vitro modeling of brain function, connectivity, and neuroplasticity. However, most existing neuroengineering platforms rely on static microfabrication techniques, which limit the ability to dynamically control circuit architecture during cultivation. In this study, we developed a modifiable agarose gel-based platform that enables real-time microstructure fabrication using an infrared (IR) laser system under live-cell conditions. This approach allows for the stepwise construction of directional neurite paths, including sequential microchannel formation, cell chamber fabrication, and controlled neurite-neurite crossings. To support long-term neuronal health and network integrity in agarose microstructures, we incorporated direct glial co-culture into the system. A comparative analysis showed that co-culture significantly enhanced neuronal adhesion, neurite outgrowth, and survival over several weeks. The feeder layer configuration provided localized trophic support while maintaining a clear separation between glial and neuronal populations. Dynamic wiring experiments further confirmed the platform's precision and compatibility. Neurites extended through newly fabricated channels and crossed pre-existing neurites without morphological damage, even when laser fabrication occurred after initial outgrowth. Time-lapse imaging showed a temporary growth cone stalling at crossing points, followed by successful elongation in all tested samples. Furthermore, the direct laser irradiation of extending neurites during microstructure modification did not visibly impair neurite elongation, suggesting minimal morphological damage under the applied conditions. However, potential effects on molecular signaling and electrophysiological function remain to be evaluated in future studies. Together, these findings establish a powerful, flexible system for constructive neuroengineering. The platform supports long-term culture, real-time modification, and multidirectional wiring, offering new opportunities for studying neural development, synaptic integration, and regeneration in vitro.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483899","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":"Editorial for the Special Issue \"Feature Papers in Chemistry and Physics of Biological Gels\".","authors":"Esmaiel Jabbari","doi":"10.3390/gels11060417","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060417","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We are excited to share with Gels' community the Special Issue on the chemistry and physics of biological gels [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12192305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483904","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":"Amino Acid-Based Hydrophobic Cryogels for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal: A Reusable and Eco-Friendly Approach to Dye-Contaminated Wastewater Treatment.","authors":"Merve Sofuoğlu, Ali Ender Kuyucu, Kadir Erol, Faruk Gökmeşe","doi":"10.3390/gels11060411","DOIUrl":"10.3390/gels11060411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The release of synthetic dyes into the environment through industrial wastewater represents a significant environmental concern. In this study, a hydrophobic cryogel, Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine), was synthesized and employed for the efficient removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The cryogel exhibited a surface area of 6.834 m²/g and a water retention capacity of 218.6%. Adsorption experiments conducted under various conditions revealed a high adsorption capacity of 1304.6 mg/g for MB. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that adsorption occurs spontaneously and follows a monolayer adsorption model. The adsorption capacity increased with temperature and ionic strength, confirming that hydrophobic forces predominantly drive the interaction. Reusability tests showed that the cryogel maintained its adsorption efficiency over five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, with a desorption efficiency of up to 98%. These findings demonstrate that Poly(HEMA-MAPA) cryogel is a practical, reusable, and eco-friendly adsorbent for removing methylene blue, a common textile dye pollutant, from water systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12191696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144483801","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}