Hybrid Gelatin Hydrogels in Nanomedicine Applications

Abstract

Gelatin based hydrogels are often incorporated with supporting materials such as chitosan, poly­(vinyl alcohol), alginate, carbon nanotubes, and hyaluronic acid. These hybrid materials are specifically of interest in diversified nanomedicine fields as they exhibit unique physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The applications include drug delivery, wound healing, cell culture, and tissue engineering. This paper reviews the various up-to-date methods to fabricate gelatin-based hydrogels, including UV photo-cross-linking, electrospinning, and 3D bioprinting. This paper also includes physical, chemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility characterization studies of several hybrid gelatin hydrogels and discusses their relevance in nanomedicine based applications. Challenges associated with the fabrication of hybrid materials for nanotechnology implementation, specifically in nanomedicine development, are critically discussed, and some future recommendations are provided.

Novel Trends in Hydrogel Development for Biomedical Applications: A Review

“…Obtaining GEL from COL requires breaking the bonds that stabilize the structure from a pre-treatment by means of acids, bases or enzymes. In this sense, type A GEL (isoelectric point 8–9) is obtained after an acid treatment of COL, and type B GEL (isoelectric point 4–5) is obtained with an alkaline treatment [ 74 , 152 ]. The amines present in the lysine side chains help the GEL to adhere to the carboxyl groups of the tissue surface molecules [ 75 ].…”

Current Understanding of the Applications of Photocrosslinked Hydrogels in Biomedical Engineering

“…Salahuddin et al prepared a light-controlled hydrogel. When exposed to light, the mesh of the hydrogel changes, altering the diffusion rate of the molecules being convenient for the controlled release of the drug [134]. Yang et al prepared an antiopal microsphere and used its nanoporous structure to load drugs injected into the joint cavity.…”

Applications of Gelatin in Biosensors: Recent Trends and Progress

“…The key to DNA biosensors is the fusion of materials with specific probe DNA or single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) [ 103 ]. Gelatin can be a promising material for DNA biosensors due to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, biological activity, exceptional cell/tissue attraction, and extraordinary physiochemical characteristics [ 104 ]. It has been reported that GelMA and DNA can be used as a biosensor for DNA hybridization [ 105 ].…”