Search Results (3,507)

Hydrogels have emerged as a transformative technology in agriculture, offering significant potential to enhance crop resilience, improve water use efficiency, and promote sustainable farming practices. These three-dimensional polymeric networks can absorb and retain up to 500 times their weight in water, making them particularly valuable in regions facing water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall patterns. This review examines the types, properties, and applications of hydrogels in agriculture, highlighting their role in improving soil moisture retention by 20–40%, enhancing nutrient delivery by 15–25%, and increasing crop yield by up to 30%. The discussion extends to the economic and environmental implications of hydrogel use, including their potential to reduce irrigation costs by 20–40% and minimize soil erosion by up to 50%. The review also explores the latest innovations in hydrogel technology, such as smart hydrogels and biodegradable alternatives, which offer new possibilities for precision agriculture and environmental sustainability. Despite the promising benefits, challenges such as the 30–50% higher cost of synthetic hydrogels, their environmental impact, and performance variability across different soil types remain. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates advancements in material science, agronomy, and environmental policy. The future outlook for hydrogels in agriculture is optimistic, with ongoing research poised to refine their applications and expand their use across diverse agricultural systems. By leveraging the capabilities of hydrogels, agriculture can achieve a 15–25% increase in productivity, ensure food security, and move towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape. Full article

Chitosan (CS), a versatile biopolymer obtained through the deacetylation of chitin, has gained significant interest in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique gel-forming capabilities. This review comprehensively analyzes CS-based gel development, covering its extraction from various natural sources, gelation mechanisms, and biomedical applications. Different extraction methods, including chemical, biological, and green techniques, are discussed regarding efficiency and sustainability. The review explores the physicochemical properties of CS that influence its gelation behavior, highlighting various gelation mechanisms such as physical, ionic, and chemical cross-linking. Recent advances in gel formation, including Schiff base reactions, Diels–Alder click chemistry, and thermosensitive gelation, have expanded the applicability of CS hydrogels. Furthermore, CS-based gels have demonstrated potential in wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and antimicrobial applications, offering controlled drug release, enhanced biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties. The incorporation of nanomaterials, bioactive molecules, and functional cross-linkers has further improved hydrogel performance. The current review underscores the growing significance of CS-based gels as innovative biomaterials in regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical sciences. Full article

Natural hydrogels have attracted considerable attention due to advantages of moisturizing, biocompatibility, and plasticity. In this study, a dual-network oxidized peach gum polysaccharide–carboxymethyl chitosan (OPGC) hydrogels with ultrafast self-healing ability was constructed by self-assembly using oxidized peach gum polysaccharide (OPGP) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). After complete fracture, OPGC hydrogels rapidly self-healed within 30 s due to the dual-network structure formed by the hydrogen bonds between the OPGP molecules and the Schiff base bonds between them and the CMCS. Meanwhile, the hydrogels exhibited good injectability and biocompatibility. With the increase of CMCS from 0.5 wt% to 2.5 wt%, the gel formation time of OPGC hydrogels was drastically shortened from 12 min to 3 min, while the strength and water-holding capacity were enhanced. Furthermore, experimental in vitro and in vivo animal studies demonstrated excellent drug loading capacity of OPGC hydrogels, and the release rate of bactericide could be controlled by adjusting the content of CMCS. The OPGC hydrogels have outstanding properties for potential applications in the health and medical fields. Full article

The smart aerogel control technology based on thermochromic materials can dynamically adjust the emittance with temperature changes, which plays a significant role in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. This paper presents the design of the smart aerogel based on hollow VO₂ particles with excellent emittance modulation. The radiation characteristics of a single particle were calculated using the multi-sphere superposition T-matrix method, and the radiation characteristics of the aerogel were determined using the Monte Carlo method. The results indicate that when the radius of the hollow VO₂ particles is 1 μm and the shell thickness is 40 nm, the hollow particles display excellent thermal regulation. When the thickness of the VO₂ particle smart aerogel is 50 μm, with a volume fraction of 2.5%, the emittance of the adaptable aerogel can reach 51.295%, which provides a theoretical foundation for the further advancement of infrared smart aerogels to enhance their energy-saving performance. Full article

Bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by Acetobacter xylinum has gained significant attention due to its unique structural and functional properties. This study focuses on the simple, facile, and cost-effective synthesis of bacterial cellulose films from Acetobacter xylinum and evaluates their impact on selected properties. The BC films were prepared through a series of controlled fermentation, purification, and drying processes, optimizing their porosity and structural integrity with different stabilization forms (the BC films supported by polyester nonwoven (PES NW) fabric) by a static culture method keeping with the sustainability. The selected properties like density, porosity, surface roughness, thermal conductivity, and the wetting properties of surfaces are tested. These properties were chosen because they significantly impact the performance of BC aerogels in the potential application of aerogels in biomedical, insulation, and filtration industries. The results indicated that the synthesized BC aerogels exhibit a highly porous network, lightweight structure, and excellent thermal conductivity, making them suitable for advanced material applications. This research highlights the potential of bacterial cellulose aerogels as sustainable (without any additives/chemicals) and high-performance materials, paving the way for further advancements in bio-based aerogels. Full article

Collagen-based wound dressings have developed as an essential component of contemporary wound care, utilizing collagen’s inherent properties to promote healing. This review thoroughly analyzes collagen dressing advances, examining different formulations such as hydrogels, films, and foams that enhance wound care. The important processes by which collagen promotes healing (e.g., promoting angiogenesis, encouraging cell proliferation, and offering structural support) are discussed to clarify its function in tissue regeneration. The effectiveness and adaptability of collagen dressings are demonstrated via clinical applications investigated in acute and chronic wounds. Additionally, commercially accessible collagen-based skin healing treatments are discussed, demonstrating their practical use in healthcare settings. Despite the progress, the study discusses the obstacles and restrictions encountered in producing and adopting collagen-based dressings, such as the difficulties of manufacturing and financial concerns. Finally, the current landscape’s insights indicate future research possibilities for collagen dressing optimization, bioactive agent integration, and overcoming existing constraints. This analysis highlights the potential of collagen-based innovations to improve wound treatment methods and patient care. Full article

Plant proteins are garnering interest due to the growing demand for plant-based products, but their functionality in gel-based foods remains limited. Ultrasound (US) technology may improve the technological properties of proteins. Thus, the effect of US treatment time (0–15 min) on the structure and gelling properties of pea, lupin, and rice proteins was evaluated. The results showed that the whiteness (~60%) of all freeze-dried proteins remained unchanged (p > 0.05), regardless of the US time. However, FT-IR analysis revealed progressive reductions in α-helix and β-sheet for pea and lupin proteins (~50%) with US time, indicating partial unfolding. In addition, microstructure analysis showed an ~80% reduction in aggregate size for these proteins, while rice protein exhibited minimal changes. Conversely, weak gels were formed with pea and lupin proteins treated after 5 and 10 min of US, respectively, whereas rice protein did not form gels. Furthermore, US treatment time significantly increased (p < 0.05) the mechanical moduli, resulting in more structured gels after longer treatment times (tan δ ~0.3 at 15 min of US). These findings suggest that US treatment enhances the gelling properties of pea and lupin proteins, making them more suitable for plant-based food applications such as yogurt or desserts. Full article

The growing field of nanotechnology has recently given much attention to nanogels, which are versatile formulas and have promising biomedical applications. Nanogels or nanohydrogels have undergone significant development in various fields of biomedical and industrial research to meet increasing demands, such as in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and genetic engineering. Nanogels that contain flavonoids, which are secondary metabolites found in plants, are starting to become distinctive and reveal their unique characteristics. The objective of the article is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research articles on flavonoid-based nanogels, emphasizing the general aspects regarding nanogel formulation and structural characterization, as well as the advancements made in the biomedical field. In conclusion, this article outlines up-to-date developments in the synthesis, formulation, structural characterization, and therapeutic applications of flavonoid-based nanogels, emphasizing their important role in the field of nanotechnology. Full article

Gastroenterology faces significant challenges due to the global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, driven by socio-economic disparities and their wide-ranging impact on health and healthcare systems. Advances in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer promising opportunities for developing non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tools that enhance the accuracy and accessibility of GI disease detection. This research explores the potential of MIP-based sensors in revolutionizing gastrointestinal diagnostics and improving early detection and disease management. Biomarkers are vital in diagnosing, monitoring, and personalizing disease treatment, particularly in gastroenterology, where advancements like MIPs offer highly selective and non-invasive diagnostic solutions. MIPs mimic natural recognition mechanisms, providing stability and sensitivity even in complex biological environments, making them ideal for early disease detection and real-time monitoring. Their integration with advanced technologies, including conducting polymers, enhances their functionality, enabling rapid, point-of-care diagnostics for gastrointestinal disorders. Despite regulatory approval and scalability challenges, ongoing innovations promise to revolutionize diagnostics and improve patient outcomes through precise approaches. Full article

The increasing contamination of water bodies by fats, oils, and grease (FOG) poses significant environmental and operational challenges, necessitating the development of advanced remediation technologies. Aerogels, with their ultra-lightweight structure, high porosity, and tunable surface chemistry, have emerged as promising sorbents for efficient FOG removal. This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in aerogel materials, highlighting novel formulations, functional modifications, and nanotechnology integrations that enhance sorption capacity and reusability. It delves into the mechanistic aspects of FOG sorption, providing insights into how surface interactions and structural properties influence performance. The sustainability of aerogels is emphasized, particularly the use of bio-based and eco-friendly materials that align with green remediation strategies. A comparative analysis with conventional sorbents underscores the advantages of aerogels in terms of efficiency, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, real-world applications, including oil spill cleanup and wastewater treatment, are discussed alongside challenges, regulatory considerations, and future research directions. By offering a holistic perspective on the potential of aerogels in water remediation, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals seeking innovative and sustainable solutions for FOG management. Full article

As dressings for moist wound healing, hyaluronic acid hydrogels play a significant role in maintaining moisture and promoting wound healing. However, existing hydrogel dressings are inadequate in terms of slow gelation time, weak mechanical performance, and fast degradation, which increases the risk of secondary infections during treatment. Therefore, we developed a hyaluronic acid double network hydrogel (DNH). Compared to single-network hydrogels (hydrazone and Diels–Alder), DNH shows a short gelation time (25 s) and strong mechanical properties (Young’s modulus = 82 kPa). These advantages enable DNH to immediately fill the irregular shape of the wound after gelation and remain intact after being squeezed. Swelling tests indicated that DNH had a suitable swelling ratio and maintained its structural integrity after swelling. We evaluated the use of DNH as a moist dressing for full-thickness wound healing in vivo. DNH-treated wounds healed faster, with enhanced blood vessel formation and macrophage polarization than gauze-treated wounds. These findings suggest that DNH not only accelerates wound healing but also improves tissue regeneration. Therefore, DNH may be a suitable moist dressing for wound healing. Full article

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are promising materials for flexible and green supercapacitor electrodes, while Ti₃C₂T_x MXene exhibits high specific capacitance. However, the diffusion limitation of ions and chemical instability in the generally used highly basic (KOH, MXene oxidation) or acidic (H₂SO₄, CNF degradation) electrolytes limits their performance and durability. Herein, freestanding CNF/MXene cryogel membranes were prepared by deep freeze-casting (at −50 and −80 °C), using different weight percentages of components (10, 50, 90), and evaluated for their structural and physico-chemical stability in other less aggressive aqueous electrolyte solutions (Na₂/Mg/Mn/K₂-SO₄, Na₂CO₃), to examine the influence of the ions transport on their pseudocapacitive properties. While the membrane prepared with 50 wt% (2.5 mg/cm²) of MXene loading at −80 °C shrank in a basic Na₂CO₃ electrolyte, the capacitance was performed via the forming of an electroactive layer on its interface, giving it high stability (90% after 3 days of cycling) but lower capacitance (8 F/g at 2 mV/s) than in H₂SO₄ (25 F/g). On the contrary, slightly acidic electrolytes extended the cations’ transport path due to excessive but still size-limited diffusion of the hydrated ions (SO₄²⁻ > Na⁺ > Mn²⁺ > Mg²⁺) during membrane swelling, which blocked it, reducing the electroactive surface area and lowering conductivities (<3 F/g). Full article

A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix hydrogel loaded with Centaurea cyanus extract was created for transdermal wound healing. Secondary metabolites, antibacterial properties, and the cytotoxicity of C. cyanus extract were investigated. The secondary metabolite profiles of the extract were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. It was determined that the extract has metabolites such as quinic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol, etc., which contribute to the steps of wound healing. The extract had significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus when compared with ampicillin antibiotic and showed an inhibition zone of 16.9 mm ± 0.8, whereas ampicillin’s inhibition zone was 15.8 mm ± 0.8. The extract did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on 3T3-L1 (CL173) healthy skin fibroblasts, maintained cell viability for 72 h, and exhibited a 19% proliferative effect. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, tensile strength analyses, in vitro release, and physicochemical tests were conducted. It was seen that the surfaces of the samples are smooth and homogeneous, patches had a significant amount of water absorption capacity, and 79% of the extract was released within the first 24 h of application; consequently, these results indicate that C. cyanus might be used in wound healing with its antibacterial, growth-promoting properties. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and malignant brain tumor, characterized by hypoxia in its microenvironment, which drives its growth and resistance to treatments. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays a central role in GBM progression by regulating cellular adaptation to low oxygen availability, promoting processes such as angiogenesis and cell invasion. However, studying and modeling GBM under hypoxic conditions is complex, especially due to the limitations of animal models. In this study, we developed a glioma spheroid model using an alginate–gelatin hydrogel scaffold, which enabled the simulation of hypoxic conditions within the tumor. The scaffold-based model demonstrated high reproducibility, facilitating the analysis of HIF-1α expression, a key protein in the hypoxic response of GBM. Furthermore, cell viability, the microstructural features of the encapsulated spheroids, and the water absorption rate of the hydrogel were assessed. Our findings validate the three-dimensional (3D) glioblastoma spheroids model as a valuable platform for studying hypoxia in GBM and evaluating new therapies. This approach could offer a more accessible and specific alternative for studying the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic resistance in GBM. Full article

Microbial-derived materials are emerging for applications in biomedicine, sensors, food, cosmetics, construction, and fashion. They offer considerable structural properties and process reproducibility compared to other bio-based materials. However, challenges related to efficient and sustainable large-scale production of microbial-derived materials must be addressed to exploit their potential fully. This review analyzes the synergistic contribution of circular, sustainable, and biotechnological approaches to enhance bacterial cellulose (BC) production and fine-tune its physico-chemical properties. BC was chosen as an ideal example due to its mechanical strength and chemical stability, making it promising for industrial applications. The review discusses upcycling strategies that utilize waste for microbial fermentation, simultaneously boosting BC production. Additionally, biotechnology techniques are identified as key to enhance BC yield and tailor its physico-chemical properties. Among the different areas where cellulose-based materials are employed, BC shows promise for mitigating the environmental impact of the garment industry. The review emphasizes that integrating circular and biotechnological approaches could significantly improve large-scale production and enhance the tunability of BC properties. Additionally, these approaches may simultaneously provide environmental benefits, depending on their future progresses. Future advancements should prioritize circular fermentation and biotechnological techniques to expand the potential of BC for sustainable industrial applications. Full article