{"title":"Formulation, Optimization, and Comprehensive Characterization of Topical Essential Oil-Loaded Anti-Acne Microemulgels.","authors":"Adeola Tawakalitu Kola-Mustapha, Muhabat Adeola Raji, Yusra Abdulkarim Alzahrani, Noura Hatim Binsaeed, Doaa Rashed Adam, Ranim Abou Shameh, Noureldeen Mohammed Garaween, Ghada Garaween","doi":"10.3390/gels11080612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080612","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Cutibacterium acnes</i> is linked to the prevalent inflammatory skin disorder known as Acne Vulgaris (AV). Some topical agents exhibit unfavorable side effects like dryness and skin inflammation, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing risk to effective AV management. This study develops and characterizes stable topical essential oil (EO)-loaded microemulgels with in vitro validated antimicrobial activities against <i>C. acnes</i> ATCC 6919, providing a solid scientific basis for their effectiveness. These microemulgels, with their potential to serve as an alternative to AMR-prone synthetic agents, could revolutionize the field of acne treatment. The MICs of the EOs (citronella, tea tree, and lemongrass) against <i>C. acnes</i> were determined. EO-loaded microemulgels were developed using a blend of microemulsion and carbopol/hyaluronic acid gel in a ratio of 1:1 and characterized, and their stability was observed over three months. The MICs of citronella, tea tree, and lemongrass EOs were 0.08, 0.16, and 0.62% <i>v</i>/<i>v</i>, respectively. The microemulgels were whitish and smooth, with characteristic EO odors. They demonstrated pH values ranging between 4.81 ± 0.20 and 5.00 ± 0.03, good homogeneity, a spreadability of 9.79 ± 0.6 and 12.76 ± 0.8 cm<sup>2</sup>, a viscosity of 29,500 and 31,130 cP, and retained stability at 4, 25, and 40 °C. EO-loaded microemulgels were developed with the potential of <i>C. acnes</i> management. The formulation shows adequate potential for further pharmaceutical development towards translational adoption in acne management.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385720/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949854","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 : 2025-08-04DOI: 10.3390/gels11080613
Alma Yadira Cid-Córdoba, Georgina Calderón-Domínguez, María de Jesús Perea-Flores, Alberto Peña-Barrientos, Fátima Sarahi Serrano-Villa, Rigoberto Barrios-Francisco, Marcela González-Vázquez, Rentería-Ortega Minerva
{"title":"Encapsulation of <i>Lactobacillus reuteri</i> in Chia-Alginate Hydrogels for Whey-Based Functional Powders.","authors":"Alma Yadira Cid-Córdoba, Georgina Calderón-Domínguez, María de Jesús Perea-Flores, Alberto Peña-Barrientos, Fátima Sarahi Serrano-Villa, Rigoberto Barrios-Francisco, Marcela González-Vázquez, Rentería-Ortega Minerva","doi":"10.3390/gels11080613","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080613","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to develop a functional powder using whey and milk matrices, leveraging the protective capacity of chia-alginate hydrogels and the advantages of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHDA), a non-thermal technique suitable for encapsulating probiotic cells under stress conditions commonly encountered in food processing. A hydrogel matrix composed of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used to form a biopolymeric network that protected probiotic cells during processing. The encapsulation efficiency reached 99.0 ± 0.01%, and bacterial viability remained above 9.9 log<sub>10</sub> CFU/mL after lyophilization, demonstrating the excellent protective capacity of the hydrogel matrix. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed well-retained cell morphology and homogeneous distribution within the hydrogel matrix while, in contrast, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical, porous microcapsules with distinct surface characteristics influenced by the encapsulation method. Encapsulates were incorporated into beverages flavored with red fruits and pear and subsequently freeze-dried. The resulting powders were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and color determinations. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and response surface methodology, highlighting the impact of ingredient ratios on nutritional composition. Raman spectroscopy identified molecular features associated with casein, lactose, pectins, anthocyanins, and other functional compounds, confirming the contribution of both matrix and encapsulants maintaining the structural characteristics of the product. The presence of antioxidant bands supported the functional potential of the powder formulations. Chia-alginate hydrogels effectively encapsulated <i>L. reuteri</i>, maintaining cell viability and enabling their incorporation into freeze-dried beverage powders. This approach offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation functional food gels with enhanced probiotic stability, nutritional properties, and potential application in health-promoting dairy systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949795","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 : 2025-08-04DOI: 10.3390/gels11080611
Elena Mănăilă, Ion Călina, Anca Scărișoreanu, Maria Demeter, Gabriela Crăciun, Marius Dumitru
{"title":"Impact of Water Conductivity on the Structure and Swelling Dynamics of E-Beam Cross-Linked Hydrogels.","authors":"Elena Mănăilă, Ion Călina, Anca Scărișoreanu, Maria Demeter, Gabriela Crăciun, Marius Dumitru","doi":"10.3390/gels11080611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prolonged drought and soil degradation severely affect soil fertility and limit crop productivity. Superabsorbent hydrogels offer an effective solution for improving water retention in soil and supporting plant growth. In this work, we examined the performance of superabsorbent hydrogels based on sodium alginate, acrylic acid (AA), and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) cross-linked with 12.5 kGy using e-beam irradiation. The hydrogels were assessed in various aqueous environments by examining network characteristics, swelling capacity, and swelling kinetics to evaluate the impact of water's electrical conductivity (which ranges from 0.05 to 321 μS/cm). Morphological and chemical structure changes were evaluated using SEM and FTIR techniques. The results demonstrated that water conductivity significantly affected the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels. Swelling behavior showed notable sensitivity to electrical conductivity variations, with swelling degrees reaching 28,400% at 5 μS/cm and 14,000% at 321 μS/cm, following first-order and second-order kinetics. FTIR analysis confirmed that structural modifications correlated with water conductivity, particularly affecting the O-H, C-H, and COOH groups sensitive to the ionic environment. SEM characterization revealed a porous morphology with an interconnected microporous network that facilitates efficient water diffusion. These hydrogels show exceptional swelling capacity and are promising candidates for sustainable agriculture applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385700/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949890","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 : 2025-08-03DOI: 10.3390/gels11080610
Sun Mi Zo, Ankur Sood, So Yeon Won, Soon Mo Choi, Sung Soo Han
{"title":"Structuring the Future of Cultured Meat: Hybrid Gel-Based Scaffolds for Edibility and Functionality.","authors":"Sun Mi Zo, Ankur Sood, So Yeon Won, Soon Mo Choi, Sung Soo Han","doi":"10.3390/gels11080610","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385360/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949949","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 : 2025-08-02DOI: 10.3390/gels11080609
Dorinel Okolišan, Gabriela Vlase, Mihaela Maria Budiul, Mariana Adina Matica, Titus Vlase
{"title":"Amygdalin-Doped Biopolymer Composites as Potential Wound Dressing Films: In Vitro Study on <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>.","authors":"Dorinel Okolišan, Gabriela Vlase, Mihaela Maria Budiul, Mariana Adina Matica, Titus Vlase","doi":"10.3390/gels11080609","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080609","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biopolymer films doped with active substances may become a promising alternative to traditional dressings for skin wounds, as they can deliver drugs while maintaining wound moisture, thus contributing to the healing process. This article describes the preparation of amygdalin-doped biopolymer films for in vitro testing against the bacterial strains typical of chronic wounds: <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>. Thus, FTIR characterization suggests minimal chemical interaction between amygdalin and the biopolymer matrix components, indicating potential compatibility, while thermogravimetric analysis highlights the thermal behavior of the films as well as the influence of the polymer matrix composition on the amount of bound water and the shift of <i>T<sub>peak</sub></i> value for the decomposition process of the base polymer. Moreover, the identity of the secondary biopolymer (gelatin or CMC) significantly influences film morphology and antibacterial performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949826","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 : 2025-08-02DOI: 10.3390/gels11080606
Meijun Chen, Shunyu Xiang, Huan Tang
{"title":"Hydrogel Applications for Cultural Heritage Protection: Emphasis on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Research Directions.","authors":"Meijun Chen, Shunyu Xiang, Huan Tang","doi":"10.3390/gels11080606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080606","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogels, characterized by their high water content, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, have emerged as a promising material platform for the preservation of cultural heritage. Their unique physicochemical features enable non-invasive and adaptable solutions for environmental regulation, structural stabilization, and antifungal protection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in hydrogel-based strategies specifically developed for the conservation of cultural relics, with a particular focus on antifungal performance-an essential factor in preventing biodeterioration. Current hydrogel systems, composed of natural or synthetic polymer networks integrated with antifungal agents, demonstrate the ability to suppress fungal growth, regulate humidity, alleviate mechanical stress, and ensure minimal damage to artifacts during application. This review also highlights future research directions, such as the application prospects of novel materials, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels and self-dissolving hydrogels. As an early exploration of the use of hydrogels in antifungal protection and broader cultural heritage conservation, this work is expected to promote the wider application of this emerging technology, contributing to the effective preservation and long-term transmission of cultural heritage worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385985/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949804","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 : 2025-08-02DOI: 10.3390/gels11080607
Robert L Kobrin, Siena M Mantooth, Abigail L Mulry, Desmond J Zaharoff, David A Zaharoff
{"title":"Chitosan-Glycerol Injectable Hydrogel for Intratumoral Delivery of Macromolecules.","authors":"Robert L Kobrin, Siena M Mantooth, Abigail L Mulry, Desmond J Zaharoff, David A Zaharoff","doi":"10.3390/gels11080607","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intratumoral injections of macromolecules, such as biologics and immunotherapeutics, show promise in overcoming dose-limiting side effects associated with systemic injections and improve treatment efficacy. However, the retention of injectates in the tumor microenvironment is a major underappreciated challenge. High interstitial pressures and dense tumor architectures create shear forces that rapidly expel low-viscosity solutions post-injection. Injectable hydrogels may address these concerns by providing a viscoelastic delivery vehicle that shields loaded therapies from rapid expulsion from the tumor. A chitosan-glycerol hydrogel was thus developed and characterized with the goal of improving the injection retention of loaded therapeutics. The gelation parameters and mechanical properties of the hydrogel were explored to reveal a shear-thinning gel that is injectable through a 27-gauge needle. Biocompatibility studies demonstrated that the chitosan-glycerol hydrogel was nontoxic. Retention studies revealed significant improvements in the retention of model therapeutics when formulated with the chitosan-glycerol hydrogel compared to less-viscous solutions. Finally, release studies showed that there was a sustained release of model therapeutics of various molecular sizes from the hydrogel. Overall, the chitosan-glycerol hydrogel demonstrated injectability, enhanced retention, biocompatibility, and sustained release of macromolecules, indicating its potential for future clinical use in intratumoral macromolecule delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949879","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 : 2025-08-02DOI: 10.3390/gels11080603
Maria Rosaria Sellitto, Domenico Larobina, Chiara De Soricellis, Chiara Amante, Giovanni Falcone, Paola Russo, Beatriz G Bernardes, Ana Leite Oliveira, Pasquale Del Gaudio
{"title":"Silk Fibroin-Alginate Aerogel Beads Produced by Supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> Drying: A Dual-Function Conformable and Haemostatic Dressing.","authors":"Maria Rosaria Sellitto, Domenico Larobina, Chiara De Soricellis, Chiara Amante, Giovanni Falcone, Paola Russo, Beatriz G Bernardes, Ana Leite Oliveira, Pasquale Del Gaudio","doi":"10.3390/gels11080603","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infection control and bleeding management in deep wounds remain urgent and unmet clinical challenges that demand innovative, multifunctional, and sustainable solutions. Unlike previously reported sodium alginate and silk fibroin-based gel formulations, the present work introduces a dual-functional system combining antimicrobial and haemostatic activity in the form of conformable aerogel beads. This dual-functional formulation is designed to absorb exudate, promote clotting, and provide localized antimicrobial action, all essential for accelerating wound repair in high-risk scenarios within a single biocompatible system. Aerogel beads were obtained by supercritical drying of a silk fibroin-sodium alginate blend, resulting in highly porous, spherical structures measuring 3-4 mm in diameter. The formulations demonstrated efficient ciprofloxacin encapsulation (42.75-49.05%) and sustained drug release for up to 12 h. Fluid absorption reached up to four times their weight in simulated wound fluid and was accompanied by significantly enhanced blood clotting, outperforming a commercial haemostatic dressing. These findings highlight the potential of silk-based aerogel beads as a multifunctional wound healing platform that combines localized antimicrobial delivery, efficient fluid and exudate management, biodegradability, and superior haemostatic performance in a single formulation. This work also shows for the first time how the prilling encapsulation technique with supercritical drying is able to successfully produce silk fibroin and sodium alginate composite aerogel beads.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385518/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949914","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 : 2025-08-02DOI: 10.3390/gels11080608
Alessandra Culmone, Roberta Passafiume, Pasquale Roppolo, Ilenia Tinebra, Vincenzo Naselli, Alfonso Collura, Antonino Pirrone, Luigi Botta, Alessandra Carrubba, Nicola Francesca, Raimondo Gaglio, Vittorio Farina
{"title":"Olive Oil-Based Lipid Coating as a Precursor Organogel for Postharvest Preservation of Lychee: Efficacy Combined with Polyamide/Polyethylene Packaging Under Passive Atmosphere.","authors":"Alessandra Culmone, Roberta Passafiume, Pasquale Roppolo, Ilenia Tinebra, Vincenzo Naselli, Alfonso Collura, Antonino Pirrone, Luigi Botta, Alessandra Carrubba, Nicola Francesca, Raimondo Gaglio, Vittorio Farina","doi":"10.3390/gels11080608","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080608","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lychee (<i>Lychee chinensis</i> Sonn.) is a tropical fruit highly appreciated for its vivid red color, sweet flavor, and nutritional properties. However, it is highly perishable, with postharvest losses often due to oxidative browning and dehydration. This study evaluated the organic olive oil coating (OC), a natural lipidic system with the potential to act as a precursor for organogel development, combined with polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) packaging under passive modified atmosphere. Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity and divided into two groups: OC-treated and untreated control (CTR). Both groups were stored at 5 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity and analyzed on days 0, 3, 6, and 9. The OC-treated fruits showed significantly better retention of physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities. The coating reduced oxidative stress and enzymatic browning, preserving color and firmness. The PA/PE packaging regulated gas exchange, lowering oxygen levels and delaying respiration and ripening. As a result, OC fruits had lower weight loss, a slower increase in browning index and maturity index, and better visual and sensory scores than the CTR group. This dual strategy proved effective in extending shelf life while maintaining the fruit's appearance, flavor, and nutritional value. It represents a sustainable and natural approach to enhancing the postharvest stability of lychee.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385611/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949966","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 : 2025-08-02DOI: 10.3390/gels11080604
Muhammad Asim Raza
{"title":"Fabrication of Cellulose-Based Hydrogels Through Ionizing Radiation for Environmental and Agricultural Applications.","authors":"Muhammad Asim Raza","doi":"10.3390/gels11080604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080604","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogels exhibit remarkable physicochemical properties, including high water absorption and retention capacities, as well as controlled release behavior. Their inherent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Cellulose, a biodegradable, renewable, and abundantly available polysaccharide, is a viable source for hydrogel preparation. Ionizing radiation, using electron-beam (EB) or gamma (γ) irradiation, provides a promising approach for synthesizing hydrogels. This study reviews recent advancements in cellulose-based hydrogels, focusing on cellulose and its derivatives, brief information regarding ionizing radiation, comparison between EB and γ-irradiation, synthesis and modification through ionizing radiation technology, and their environmental and agricultural applications. For environmental remediation, these hydrogels have demonstrated significant potential in water purification, particularly in the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and organic contaminants. In agricultural applications, cellulose-based hydrogels function as soil conditioners by enhancing water retention and serving as carriers for agrochemicals.</p>","PeriodicalId":12506,"journal":{"name":"Gels","volume":"11 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12385286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144949581","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}