Active droplets
Researchers created 'active droplets' that release drugs at a constant rate over several days, reducing the risk of overdose. The droplets are stable for longer due to hydrolysis protection and can be loaded with varying doses.
Hydrogels
Articles tagged with Hydrogels
Smart contact lens sensor developed for point-of-care eye health monitoring
A smart contact lens has been developed to monitor xerophthalmia and high intraocular pressure disease, providing real-time color changes based on moisture and pressure levels. The device features periodic nanostructures within a biocompatible hydrogel matrix, offering superior biosafety and comfort.
Low-cost 'smart' diaper can notify caregiver when it's wet
Researchers at MIT have developed a low-cost, disposable smart diaper that uses RFID technology to alert caregivers when a baby is wet. The sensor detects moisture and sends a signal to a nearby receiver, which can send a notification to a smartphone or computer.
New hydrogels wither while stem cells flourish for tissue repair
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed biodegradable hydrogels that create a fertile environment for bone stem cells to grow and proliferate. The study found that the space created by degrading hydrogels enables stem cells to thrive, remodel their local environment, and form intricate cellular networks.
First-of-its-kind hydrogel platform enables on-demand production of medicines, chemicals
A team of chemical engineers has developed a new way to produce medicines and chemicals on demand using portable biofactories embedded in water-based gels. The approach could help people in remote villages or on military missions access critical medicines and daily use chemicals.
SUTD develops revolutionary reversible 4D printing with research collaborators
Researchers from SUTD and NTU create a new method for reversible 4D printing using just two materials. The process uses heat to change the shape of the material, which can then revert back to its original shape without human intervention.
Structual color barcode micromotors for multiplex biosensing
Researchers at Southeast University have developed a novel kind of microtort with stable structural color for multiplex assays. These micromotors can efficiently accelerate mixing speed and increase probe-target interactions, leading to faster and more sensitive detection. The unique structural color coding allows for simultaneous mult...
Lights on for germ-free wound dressings
Researchers have introduced a gel that is activated by red light to produce reactive oxygen compounds effectively killing bacteria and fungi. The hydrogel combines photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy with fully synthetic properties, overcoming previous biocompatibility issues.
Bacteria and sand engineered into living concrete
Researchers created a green living material that demonstrates similar strength to cement-based mortar by combining sand, bacteria, and hydrogel. The material reproduces and can be controlled to maintain structural function and microbial survivability.
Hydrogels control inflammation to help healing
Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels that can tune the body's inflammatory response, promoting or reducing inflammation as needed. The study found that positively charged hydrogels triggered stronger responses for wound-healing and cancer treatment, while negatively charged gels were better suited for drug delivery.
Bio-inspired hydrogel can rapidly switch to rigid plastic
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that stiffens 1,800-fold when exposed to heat, inspired by thermophilic proteins. The material, composed of polyelectrolyte poly(acrylic acid), transforms from soft to rigid upon heating and can be reversed with cooling.
This humidity digester breathes in atmospheric water and exhales energy
The humidity digester, developed by Singapore researchers, can absorb more than four times its weight of water from humid air. It reduces relative humidity by 12 percent and generates a low current under ambient light, making it a potential replacement for air conditioners.
Getting glued in the sea
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed adhesives inspired by mussels that utilize electrostatic interactions to stick to negatively charged surfaces in saltwater. The adhesiveness was largely thanks to the interaction between positively charged residues on the polymers and the negatively charged surfaces.
New 3D printing technique for biomaterials
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new 3D printing technique called Suspended Layer Additive Manufacturing (SLAM) that can create soft biomaterials for repairing body defects. The technique uses a polymer-based hydrogel with self-healing properties, allowing for precise detail and support without sagging.
Dealing a therapeutic counterblow to traumatic brain injury
Researchers develop a novel therapy to protect neurons and stimulate regrowth of blood vessels in damaged tissue. In preclinical trials, rats injected with the hydrogel retained more functioning neurons and formed new blood cells at the injury site.
Researchers develop thermo-responsive protein hydrogel
A NYU Tandon-led team created a biocompatible protein-based drug delivery system that can survive in the body for over two weeks and provide sustained medication release. The thermo-responsive protein hydrogel exhibits properties similar to synthetic hydrogels but is more desirable for use in biomedicine.
Chameleon inspires 'smart skin' that changes color in the sun
Researchers at Emory University have created a flexible smart skin that changes color in response to heat and sunlight without altering its size. This innovation uses photonic crystals to mimic the chameleon's natural ability, opening doors for applications in camouflage, chemical sensing, and anti-counterfeiting.
A chameleon-inspired smart skin changes color in the sun
Researchers create strain-accommodating smart skin that changes color in response to heat and sunlight, mimicking chameleon skin. The new material uses arrays of photonic crystals embedded in hydrogels to achieve color changes without buckling.
Robotic thread is designed to slip through the brain's blood vessels
Researchers at MIT have designed a robotic thread that can navigate the brain's blood vessels using magnets, aiming to improve endovascular procedures for treating stroke and aneurysms. The thread can be functionalized to deliver drugs or break up blockages with laser light.
High-tech gel aids delivery of drugs
Researchers have developed a hydrogel-based carrier that can deliver siRNAs directly to tumors, overcoming the challenge of rapid degradation and limited cellular entry. This innovative technology has the potential to improve the effectiveness of siRNA-based cancer treatments and enable more efficient delivery of biologics.
Peptide hydrogels could help heal traumatic brain injuries
Researchers have developed a self-assembling peptide hydrogel that increases blood vessel regrowth and neuronal survival in rats with traumatic brain injuries. The treatment also improves the survival of brain cells and shows signs of new blood vessel formation.
CRISPR-responsive hydrogel system offers programmable approach to smart biomaterials
Researchers developed a CRISPR-responsive hydrogel system that can be programmed to release compounds, nanoparticles, or live cells in response to specific DNA targets. The system's sensitivity and versatility make it suitable for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, bio-electronics, and biosensing.
New hydrogels show promise in treating bone defects
Researchers from UCLA School of Dentistry developed a new hydrogel that promotes tissue repair and regeneration, inducing stem cell migration to enhance bone healing. The clay-enhanced hydrogel has a more porous structure, improving its ability to deliver cells to defective areas.
KIST develops technology for creating flexible sensors on topographic surfaces
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology developed a transfer-printing technology for creating high-performance sensors on diverse shapes and structures. The KIST team used hydrogel and nano ink to easily create electrodes, overcoming limitations in traditional transfer printing processes.
Sclerosing agent delivery improvements to protect against malignant pleural effusion
Researchers at Kazan Federal University and Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a safer alternative to existing drainage methods for malignant pleural effusion. The new hydrogel-based approach improved patient outcomes by stalling health deterioration and increasing survival rates by 55% compared to standard therapy.
Researchers: Eggshells can help grow, heal bones
Researchers at UMass Lowell have discovered that eggshell particles can increase bone cells' ability to grow and harden, potentially resulting in faster healing. The technique uses crushed eggshells in a hydrogel mixture to support bone growth, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
Artificial DNA can control release of active ingredients from drugs
Researchers developed a process to release multiple active ingredients in sequence under conditions similar to the human body, using hydrogels and artificial DNA. The particles are released one by one, with each stage triggered by the previous release.
Hydrogel offers double punch against orthopedic bone infections
Researchers have developed a double-duty hydrogel that both kills bacteria and promotes bone regrowth using lysostaphin and BMP-2. This breakthrough therapy shows promise in treating orthopedic bone infections with fewer surgeries and accelerated healing.
IADR announces the 2019 Innovation in Oral Care Awards
Three researchers win IADR Innovation in Oral Care Awards for developing novel treatments for craniofacial bone defects and periodontitis, with focus on growth-factor-free approaches.
3D printed tissues and organs without the scaffolding
Researchers have developed a process for 3D printing biological tissues without scaffolds using stem cells in a hydrogel bead bath. The printed cells form stable connections and mature into functional tissues, offering potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Snail-inspired superglue
Researchers created a hydrogel-based adhesive inspired by snails' mucus, combining strength and reversibility. The PHEMA gel achieves adhesive strengths comparable to superglues, with 'shape adaptation and memory' properties.
Molecular bait can help hydrogels heal wounds
Researchers have created a new type of hydrogel that can grow new tissue to heal wounds, eliminating the need for external growth factors. The hydrogels are made with biomolecules anchored in crosslinkers and can be mixed at room temperature.
Nitric oxide-scavenging hydrogel developed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
A team of researchers has developed a nano-sized hydrogel that can scavenge nitric oxide and effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis. The hydrogel was shown to be more effective than current therapeutic drugs in suppressing the onset of the disease, with minimal side effects.
Texas A&M research team develops bioinks to print therapeutics in 3D
A Texas A&M research team has developed a new class of hydrogel bioinks loaded with therapeutic proteins, which can be used for precise deposition of protein therapeutics in 3D. The bioink formulation has unique shear-thinning properties that allow it to stay in place after injection, making it suitable for 3D bioprinting applications.
Uncovering microgel mysteries
A team of scientists at Shinshu University used a newly customized tool to study hydrogel microspheres, observing structural differences that were previously unexplained. The study reveals that the method of production greatly affects the structure and behavior of thermoresponsive microgels.
Producing tissue and organs through lithography
Researchers are developing a top-down lithography method to create complex tissues and their anatomical microstructures. This approach uses light sheet illumination and special hydrogels to form branched chain structures that serve as a matrix for cell colonization.
Scientists use molecular tethers, chemical 'light sabers' for tissue engineering
Researchers create molecular tethers to attach proteins to scaffolds, allowing for reversible functionalization while preserving activity. This approach enables precise control of protein signals, promoting tissue growth and differentiation.
Ultra-thin superlattices from gold nanoparticles for nanophotonics
Scientists have developed a technique to produce highly ordered particle layers using tiny gold particles encapsulated in soft polymer beads. The resulting ultrathin superlattices exhibit collective resonances when excited by light, enabling potential applications in optoelectronics and nanophotonics.
Will MSC micropellets outperform single cells for cartilage regeneration?
A study directly compares chondrogenic induction by hydrogels containing MSCs as either single cell suspensions or 100-500-cell micropellets. The results show that micropellet-encapsulated MSCs outperform single cells in cartilage regeneration, providing guidance for future cartilage engineering efforts.
Food dye, the secret ingredient for 3D printing biocompatible hydrogels with life-like vasculature
Researchers have developed a method to print complex vascular networks in biocompatible hydrogels using food dye #5, mimicking the architecture of biological tissues. This breakthrough has significant implications for tissue engineering and organ transplantation.
Johns Hopkins researchers develop soft tissue substitute with fewer side effects
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a synthetic soft tissue substitute that encourages growth of new tissue and blood vessels. The material, well-tolerated and retaining its shape, may lessen the need for implants or grafts in reconstructive surgeries.
Working out makes hydrogels perform more like muscle
Researchers created hydrogels that mimic muscle properties through mechanical training, producing strong, soft, and fatigue-resistant materials for medical implants and engineering applications. The trained hydrogels demonstrate improved tensile strength, soft flexibility, and high water content.
Scientists advance creation of 'artificial lymph node' to fight cancer, other diseases
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a gel-like platform that activates and multiplies cancer-fighting T-cells, outperforming traditional methods in mouse experiments. The artificial lymph node technology has potential for regenerative immunology-based therapy.
Muscle-like material expands and contracts in response to light (video)
Researchers develop a new polymer that can expand and contract in response to light, lifting a weight with minimal stimulation. The material has potential applications in biomedical fields, such as drug-delivery devices or artificial muscles.
Traffic control of cells
Scientists have created a hydrogel matrix whose stiffness can be reversibly tuned using light, enabling the investigation of how cells respond to dynamic changes in their environment. The matrix has potential applications in cancer immunotherapy and understanding cell migration patterns.
SUTD researchers develop a hydrogel for enhanced cell encapsulation and delivery
A new thixogel called CNF hydrogel has been developed by SUTD researchers, offering improved cell encapsulation and delivery. The hydrogel combines the benefits of both solid and liquid forms, providing a protective environment for cells while conforming to host tissue geometry.
Dynamic hydrogel used to make 'soft robot' components and LEGO-like building blocks
Brown University researchers create modular hydrogel components that can bend, twist, or stick together in response to treatment with certain chemicals. The components are designed for various
Solar-powered moisture harvester collects and cleans water from air
Researchers at UT Austin developed a solar-powered moisture harvester that captures and cleans water from the air using hydrogels. The system can produce up to 50 liters of clean water per kilogram of hydrogel, making it a promising solution for disaster situations, water crises, or poverty-stricken areas.
UNH researchers create a hydrogel contact lens to treat serious eye disease
Researchers at UNH have developed a new hydrogel that deactivates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) responsible for corneal melting by removing zinc ions. This localized treatment avoids side effects common with existing MMP inhibitors, paving the way for a potential contact lens therapy.
Lobster's underbelly is as tough as industrial rubber
Researchers discovered the lobster membrane is surprisingly tough and stretchy, making it a potential guide for designing flexible body armor. The membrane's layered structure, similar to plywood, provides exceptional strength and resistance to scratches and cuts, outperforming industrial rubber composites.
UTA engineer earns NSF CAREER grant to develop bioinspired, shape-morphing 3D materials
Dr. Kyungsuk Yum develops bioinspired 3D materials that can form complex shapes and motions in response to external signals. His research has potential applications in bioinspired soft robotics, biomedical devices, tissue engineering, and artificial muscles.
New gel for liver cell culture on microchips
Researchers at Linköping University created a hydrogel that mimics the natural environment of cells, allowing for the growth of human liver cells on microchips. This innovation has the potential to simplify early stages of drug development and replace animal experiments.
Self-growing materials that strengthen in response to force
Hokkaido University researchers have developed a strategy to fabricate materials that become stronger in response to mechanical stress. By employing 'double-network hydrogels,' they were able to create soft, yet tough materials that can adapt and strengthen based on surrounding conditions.
Ingestible, expanding pill monitors the stomach for up to a month
Researchers designed an ingestible pill that quickly inflates to track stomach temperature for 30 days, then deflates using calcium solution. The hydrogel-based design is softer and longer-lasting than current sensors, inspired by the pufferfish's defense mechanism.
Study uncovers why heart attack triggers arrhythmia in some, explores potential treatment
A team of researchers has identified a genetic pathway that causes some individuals to develop an abnormal heart rhythm after experiencing a heart attack. They have also discovered a drug candidate that can block this pathway.
A painless adhesive
Researchers have developed an adhesive that can strongly adhere to wet materials like hydrogel and living tissue, and be easily detached with specific frequencies of light. This technology has the potential to enable painless detachment of wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery devices.
A starch and graphene hydrogel geared towards electrodes for brain implants is developed
Researchers at UPV/EHU have created a starch and graphene hydrogel with electrical and antibacterial properties suitable for neural interfaces. The hydrogel was produced using click chemistry and is stable in an aqueous medium due to the addition of salvia extracts.
Drinking water sucked from the dusty desert air
Researchers at KAUST developed a device that can capture its own weight in water from fresh air and release it when warmed by sunlight. The device uses deliquescent salt and a polymer hydrogel to absorb moisture from the air, which is then released continuously with the help of carbon nanotubes.
A hydrogel that adheres firmly to cartilage and meniscus
Researchers at EPFL have developed a biocompatible hydrogel that naturally adheres to cartilage and the meniscus, eliminating the need for special membranes and sutures. The composite double-network hydrogel has shown superior adhesive properties and is poised to revolutionize treatment for soft tissue injuries.
UNH researchers create a more effective hydrogel for healing wounds
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have developed a new, macroporous hydrogel that facilitates faster wound healing by allowing cells to migrate into the wound. The injectable formulation also enables slow release of protein drugs, such as platelet-derived growth factor, to aid in the healing process.