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An Additive Manufacturing Technique for the Facile and Rapid Fabrication of Hydrogel-based Micromachines with Magnetically Responsive Components
Published on: July 18, 2018
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Opportunities for multicomponent hybrid hydrogels in biomedical applications
Hang Kuen Lau1, Kristi L Kiick
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering and ‡Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark Delaware 19716, United States.
Biomacromolecules
|November 27, 2014
Summary
Multicomponent hydrogels offer enhanced mechanical properties and multiple biological functions for advanced biomedical applications. This review covers recent chemical and physical methods for creating these versatile biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Hydrogels are widely used in biomedical applications due to their mechanical support, hydrated environment, cytocompatibility, and controlled release capabilities.
- Research has shifted towards multicomponent hydrogels to mimic native biological environments and enable tailored material properties.
- These advanced materials offer greater multifunctionality compared to traditional hydrogels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the synthesis of multicomponent hydrogels.
- To describe chemical and physical network formation strategies.
- To highlight the incorporation of synthetic and biologically derived molecules for specific properties and functions.
Main Methods:
- Summarizing contemporary chemical and physical approaches for hydrogel network formation.
- Detailing the use of synthetic and biologically derived molecules to impart desired properties.
- Presenting specific multicomponent hydrogel examples with enhanced mechanical properties and multiple biological functions.
Main Results:
- Multicomponent hydrogels can be synthesized using diverse chemical and physical strategies.
- Incorporation of specific molecules enhances mechanical properties and biological functions.
- Demonstrated applications in tissue engineering, cancer treatment, and gene therapy.
Conclusions:
- Multicomponent hydrogels represent a promising frontier in developing advanced biomedically relevant materials.
- Tailored synthesis allows for precise control over mechanical and biological functionalities.
- Significant potential exists for these materials in regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions.
