Design and development of reactive injectable and settable polymeric biomaterials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Injectable and settable biomaterials are advanced therapeutic technologies in regenerative medicine.
• They offer advantages over traditional implants, including minimally invasive application, defect contouring, in situ curing, and biologic incorporation.
• Clinical translation faces hurdles related to handling properties and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• This review focuses on the engineering challenges in developing injectable and chemically settable polymeric biomaterials.
• It covers diverse chemistries used to overcome these technical barriers.
• The goal is to facilitate future clinical translation and improve patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on injectable and chemically settable polymeric biomaterials.
• Analysis of engineering challenges in material design and development.
• Exploration of various chemical strategies employed in overcoming these challenges.

Main Results:

• Identified key engineering challenges in achieving clinically relevant handling and benign reaction conditions.
• Highlighted diverse polymeric chemistries enabling injectable and settable properties.
• Demonstrated progress in overcoming barriers to clinical translation.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in injectable and chemically settable polymeric biomaterials are crucial for regenerative medicine.
• Addressing engineering challenges through innovative chemistry is key to successful clinical translation.
• These materials hold significant promise for improving patient outcomes across various conditions.