The intrinsic limitations of alginate hydrogels, such as high porosity, limited mechanical stability, and weak resistance to acidic environments

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated research gap and future work of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 9 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Efficient Recovery of Collagen from Tannery Waste Materials and Its Integration into Functional Hydrogel Systems (2026) · Gels · cited 1× · doi

  The gap in the development of multifunctional hydrogels from renewable biomaterials is the achievement of an optimal balance between mechanical stability, biofunctionality, and infection control. The use of tannery waste as a source of collagen is an underutilized opportunity. The development of hydrogels with improved mechanical strength and antibacterial properties is a challenge.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: gap development multifunctional hydrogels renewable biomaterials achievement optimal
• Effect of Biopolymer Additives on Functional Properties of Alginate-Based Composite Hydrogels (2026) · Gels · cited 8× · doi

  The intrinsic limitations of alginate hydrogels, such as high porosity, limited mechanical stability, and weak resistance to acidic environments. The need for a systematic comparison of alginate-based composite hydrogels formed with complementary biopolymers. The lack of practical design guidelines for the development of multifunctional alginate-based hydrogel systems.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: intrinsic limitations alginate hydrogels high porosity limited mechanical
• Multifunctional alginate-based hydrogels with antimicrobial activity and applications: a comprehensive review (2026) · Polymer Bulletin · doi

  Alginate-based hydrogels have emerged as promising multifunctional materials, particularly in antimicrobial applications, due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form hydrogels under mild conditions. Their high water content, tunable mechanical strength, and structural flexibility enable efficient incorporation of various antimicrobial agents such as AgNPs, antimicrobial peptides, and essential oils. Among the different strategies reported, nanomaterial-based and hybrid composite systems have generally shown excellent antimicrobial performance and enhanced biofilm disruption compared to conventional formulations. These com- posite hydrogels not only inhibit microbial growth but also effectively disrupt resis- tant biofilms, addressing a major challenge in infection control. In comparison with single-component systems, multifunctional alginate-based composites demonstrate improved stability, sustained release behavior, and broader antimicrobial efficacy. Their versatility has been successfully translated into practical applications, including wound dressings that promote healing and prevent infection, drug delivery systems for controlled therapeutic release, and food packaging materials that enhance shelf 1 3Polymer Bulletin (2026) 83:422  422 Page 24 of 29 life and safety. Overall, the most promising developments reported in recent stud- ies involve synergistic combinations of alginate with nanomaterials, bioactive com- pounds, and stimuli-responsive systems, which significantly enhance antimicrobial efficiency and functional performance. Looking forward, the development of next- generation alginate-based hydrogels will likely focus on enhancing targeted delivery, responsiveness to environmental stimuli, and long-term stability. Research should also explore the synergy between alginate and emerging antimicrobial agents, includ- ing nanomaterials and plant-derived compounds, to overcome microbial resistance. Furthermore, large-scale manufacturing techniques and regulatory considerations must be addressed to facilitate clinical and commercial translation. The integration of alginate hydrogels with smart technologies, such as sensors or stimuli-responsive systems, may open new frontiers in real-time infection monitoring and treatment. Author contributions Dr. Muhanad Alhujaily: Writing-review & editing, Critical revision & Validation. Prof. Alaa Shafie: Supervision, Validation & Critical revision. Mohammed Sanad Alhussaini: Supervision & Writing original draft. AbdulRahman Abdulla Ibrahim Alyahya: Investigation & Visualization. Funding This work was supported and funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Moham- mad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) (grant number IMSIU-DDRSP2601). Data availability No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

  generalfuture workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: antimicrobial alginate hydrogels systems based infection stimuli promising multifunctional materials applications excellent agents reported performance
• Biomedical Multilayer Composite Systems for Wound Healing: Design Strategies, Therapeutic Functions and Future Perspectives (2026) · Journal of Composites Science · doi

  The lack of a single device that can combine structural support, antimicrobial protection, and controlled release of therapeutic agents for wound healing. The need for more effective strategies for incorporating growth factors, antimicrobial agents, and nanoparticles into wound healing devices. The requirement for a critical overview of the in vitro and in vivo performance of multilayer biomedical composite systems.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: lack single device combine structural support antimicrobial protection

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