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Lee HK, Yang YJ, Koirala GR, Oh S, Kim TI. From lab to wearables: Innovations in multifunctional hydrogel chemistry for next-generation bioelectronic devices. Biomaterials 2024; 310:122632. [PMID: 38824848 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Functional hydrogels have emerged as foundational materials in diagnostics, therapy, and wearable devices, owing to their high stretchability, flexibility, sensing, and outstanding biocompatibility. Their significance stems from their resemblance to biological tissue and their exceptional versatility in electrical, mechanical, and biofunctional engineering, positioning themselves as a bridge between living organisms and electronic systems, paving the way for the development of highly compatible, efficient, and stable interfaces. These multifaceted capability revolutionizes the essence of hydrogel-based wearable devices, distinguishing them from conventional biomedical devices in real-world practical applications. In this comprehensive review, we first discuss the fundamental chemistry of hydrogels, elucidating their distinct properties and functionalities. Subsequently, we examine the applications of these bioelectronics within the human body, unveiling their transformative potential in diagnostics, therapy, and human-machine interfaces (HMI) in real wearable bioelectronics. This exploration serves as a scientific compass for researchers navigating the interdisciplinary landscape of chemistry, materials science, and bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hin Kiu Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Ji Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyan Raj Koirala
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyoun Oh
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Ciarleglio G, Russo T, Toto E, Santonicola MG. Fabrication of Alginate/Ozoile Gel Microspheres by Electrospray Process. Gels 2024; 10:52. [PMID: 38247775 PMCID: PMC10815707 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural polymers, such as alginate and chitosan, are widely exploited for drug delivery applications due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and sustainable sourcing. In this study, pH-responsive gel microspheres were fabricated from an alginate/Ozoile emulsion. Ozoile (Stable Ozonides) is a biological inducer, derived from olive oil, which stimulates the endogenous defense system by promoting the repair of tissue damage and restoration of proper physiology through the regulation of gene transcription. Here, the versatile and cost-effective electrospray technique without the use of organic solvents was used to fabricate alginate/Ozoile microspheres with high throughput. The process parameters (voltage, flow rate, and needle gauge) were optimized to obtain microspheres with good sphericity factor and tailored diameter (250-700 μm). The microspheres were additionally optimized through a chitosan coating to enhance their stability and regulate the gel matrix's degradation process. Morphological analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and degradation tests confirmed the structural integrity and pH-responsive behavior of the gel microspheres. This research offers a promising route for targeted drug delivery systems, particularly in applications related to the modulation of oxidative stress and management of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Ciarleglio
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.R.); (E.T.)
- Erbagil s.r.l., Via Luigi Settembrini 13, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Tiziana Russo
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.R.); (E.T.)
| | - Elisa Toto
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.R.); (E.T.)
| | - Maria Gabriella Santonicola
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.R.); (E.T.)
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Gialouri A, Saravanou SF, Loukelis K, Chatzinikolaidou M, Pasparakis G, Bouropoulos N. Thermoresponsive Alginate-Graft-pNIPAM/Methyl Cellulose 3D-Printed Scaffolds Promote Osteogenesis In Vitro. Gels 2023; 9:984. [PMID: 38131970 PMCID: PMC10743144 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, a sodium alginate-based copolymer grafted by thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains was used as gelator (Alg-g-PNIPAM) in combination with methylcellulose (MC). It was found that the mechanical properties of the resulting gel could be enhanced by the addition of MC and calcium ions (Ca2+). The proposed network is formed via a dual crosslinking mechanism including ionic interactions among Ca2+ and carboxyl groups and secondary hydrophobic associations of PNIPAM chains. MC was found to further reinforce the dynamic moduli of the resulting gels (i.e., a storage modulus of ca. 1500 Pa at physiological body and post-printing temperature), rendering them suitable for 3D printing in biomedical applications. The polymer networks were stable and retained their printed fidelity with minimum erosion as low as 6% for up to seven days. Furthermore, adhered pre-osteoblastic cells on Alg-g-PNIPAM/MC printed scaffolds presented 80% viability compared to tissue culture polystyrene control, and more importantly, they promoted the osteogenic potential, as indicated by the increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium, and collagen production relative to the Alg-g-PNIPAM control scaffolds. Specifically, ALP activity and collagen secreted by cells were significantly enhanced in Alg-g-PNIPAM/MC scaffolds compared to the Alg-g-PNIPAM counterparts, demonstrating their potential in bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Gialouri
- Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | | | - Konstantinos Loukelis
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Maria Chatzinikolaidou
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Pasparakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Bouropoulos
- Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering and High Temperature Chemical Processes, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Botti S, Bonfigli F, D’Amato R, Rodesi J, Santonicola MG. Colorimetric Sensors Based on Poly(acrylic Acid)/TiO 2 Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Monitoring UV Radiation Exposure. Gels 2023; 9:797. [PMID: 37888370 PMCID: PMC10606633 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an open debate on proper sun exposure to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. The mainly encountered issue is that general guidelines for UV radiation exposure could not be effective for all skin types. The implementation of customized guidelines requires a method by which to measure the UV dose as a result of daily exposure to sunlight, ideally with an inexpensive, easy-to-read sensor. In this work, we present the characterization of nanocomposite hydrogel materials acting as colorimetric sensors upon exposure to UV light. The sensor was prepared using a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel matrix in which TiO2 nanoparticles and methylene blue (MB) were integrated. Raman mapping was used to determine the network structure of the hydrogel and its water distribution. The TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in the PAA matrix maintain their photoactivity and catalyze a reaction by which methylene blue is converted into leuko-methylene. The conversion causes a discoloration effect that is visible to the naked eye and can therefore be used as an indicator of UV radiation exposure. Moreover, it was possible to tune the discoloration rate to the limit exposure of each skin type, simply by changing the ratio of titanium dioxide to dye. We obtained a response time ranging from 30 min to 1.5 h. Future work will be dedicated to the possibility of scaling up this range and to improve the sensor wearability; however, our study paves the way to the realisation of sensors suitable for public use, which could help us find a solution to the challenge of balancing sufficient UV exposure to prevent Vitamin D deficiency with excessive UV exposure that could ultimately cause skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Botti
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Photonics Micro- and Nano-Structures Laboratory, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy; (F.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Francesca Bonfigli
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Photonics Micro- and Nano-Structures Laboratory, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy; (F.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Rosaria D’Amato
- Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Photonics Micro- and Nano-Structures Laboratory, ENEA C.R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy; (F.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Jasmine Rodesi
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Gabriella Santonicola
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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Ciarleglio G, Cinti F, Toto E, Santonicola MG. Synthesis and Characterization of Alginate Gel Beads with Embedded Zeolite Structures as Carriers of Hydrophobic Curcumin. Gels 2023; 9:714. [PMID: 37754395 PMCID: PMC10529665 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alginate-based beads containing a porous zeolite filler were developed as carriers of bioactive compounds with a hydrophobic nature, such as curcumin (Cur). Curcumin, a natural pigment extracted from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antiviral properties. To enhance the bioavailability of the drug, curcumin needs to be encapsulated in a suitable carrier that improves its dispersibility and solubility. Commercial A-type zeolites (Z5A) were used as curcumin-binding agents and they were immobilized within the alginate gel beads by cross-linking in calcium chloride solution during an extrusion dripping process. The process parameters (alginate and CaCl2 concentrations, needle gauge, collecting distance) were optimized to fabricate beads with good sphericity factor and 1.5-1.7 mm diameter in their hydrated state. The chemical structure of the gel beads was assessed using FTIR spectroscopy, while their thermal stability was evaluated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Due to the alginate matrix, the composite Alg/ZA5-Cur beads possess pH-responsive properties. In addition, the gel beads were modified by chitosan (CS) to enhance the stability and control the degradation behavior of the gel matrix. The swelling behavior and the degradation of the beads were analyzed in physiological solutions with different pH values. Results demonstrate the stabilizing and protective effect of the chitosan coating, as well as the reinforcing effect of the zeolite filler. This makes the pH-responsive alginate gel beads good candidates for the delivery of lipophilic drugs to specific inflammatory sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Gabriella Santonicola
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (F.C.); (E.T.)
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Ilić-Stojanović S, Nikolić L, Nikolić V, Ristić I, Cakić S, Petrović SD. Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogels as Carriers for Modulated Delivery of Acetaminophen. Gels 2023; 9:684. [PMID: 37754365 PMCID: PMC10530087 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purposes of this study are the polymerization of temperature-sensitive copolymers based on N-isopropyl acrylamide and 10 mol % of 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate, characterisations of their thermal, morphological and swelling properties, as well as the analysis of potential application in drug-delivery systems. Acetaminophen, the representative of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was used as a model drug in this study. It is a common pain relief drug, which is also used for fever treatment. However, oral administration comes with certain health risks, mainly the overdose and frequent administration of up to four times a day. The goal of applying temperature-sensitive hydrogel is to enable extended administration once a day, depending on the body temperature. The swelling behavior of the obtained poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate) (p(NIPA/HPMA)) hydrogels and their temperature-sensitivity, kinetics and order of swelling processes at 18 and 38 °C were analyzed. The thermal properties of these hydrogels were observed by the DSC method, and the obtained thermograms showed both melting and glass transitions. The drug delivery system of p(NIPA/HPMA) hydrogels with loaded acetaminophen was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods. Structural analysis of FTIR spectra indicates that non-covalent intermolecular interactions of the type of hydrogen bonds were formed among functional groups of acetaminophen and side-chains of p(NIPA/HPMA) hydrogels. The surface structure of p(NIPA/HPMA) hydrogels after drug loading indicates the acetaminophen presence into the pores of the hydrogel network, and their loading efficiency was higher than 92%. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of acetaminophen, determined by the high-pressure liquid chromatography method, showed that about 90-99% of the loaded amount was released from p(NIPA/HPMA) hydrogels within 24 h. Kinetic parameters of the acetaminophen release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were determined. Based on obtained results, the drug delivery system of temperature-sensitive p(NIPA/HPMA) hydrogels with loaded acetaminophen could be suitable for additional investigation for modulated drug administration, e.g., for extended drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snežana Ilić-Stojanović
- Faculty of Technology, University of Niš, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 124, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia; (L.N.); (V.N.); (S.C.)
| | - Ljubiša Nikolić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Niš, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 124, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia; (L.N.); (V.N.); (S.C.)
| | - Vesna Nikolić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Niš, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 124, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia; (L.N.); (V.N.); (S.C.)
| | - Ivan Ristić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Suzana Cakić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Niš, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 124, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia; (L.N.); (V.N.); (S.C.)
| | - Slobodan D. Petrović
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Khan B, Abdullah S, Khan S. Current Progress in Conductive Hydrogels and Their Applications in Wearable Bioelectronics and Therapeutics. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14051005. [PMID: 37241628 DOI: 10.3390/mi14051005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Wearable bioelectronics and therapeutics are a rapidly evolving area of research, with researchers exploring new materials that offer greater flexibility and sophistication. Conductive hydrogels have emerged as a promising material due to their tunable electrical properties, flexible mechanical properties, high elasticity, stretchability, excellent biocompatibility, and responsiveness to stimuli. This review presents an overview of recent breakthroughs in conductive hydrogels, including their materials, classification, and applications. By providing a comprehensive review of current research, this paper aims to equip researchers with a deeper understanding of conductive hydrogels and inspire new design approaches for various healthcare applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangul Khan
- Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Saad Abdullah
- School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Division of Intelligent Future Technologies, Mälardalen University, P.O. Box 883, 721 26 Västerås, Sweden
| | - Samiullah Khan
- Center for Eye & Vision Research, 17W Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
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