A Review of Injectable Polymeric Hydrogel Systems for Application in Bone Tissue Engineering
Pariksha J Kondiah1, Yahya E Choonara2, Pierre P D Kondiah3
1Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa. 549348@students.wits.ac.za.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Stimuli-responsive polymers and thermo-responsive hydrogels are key for injectable drug delivery and bone tissue engineering. These advanced biomaterials enhance cell response and mimic the extracellular matrix for minimally invasive therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Biodegradable, stimuli-responsive polymers are crucial for advanced drug delivery and injectable biomaterials, particularly in bone tissue engineering.
- Thermo-responsive hydrogels offer homogenous, water-based systems for encapsulating and delivering therapeutic agents minimally invasively.
- Injectable therapies excel at targeting complex defect sites regardless of geometry, simplifying treatment procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on stimuli-responsive hydrogel delivery systems for bone tissue engineering.
- To highlight the advantages of injectable therapies for targeted drug delivery and tissue regeneration.
- To explore future research directions for enhancing polymer biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature and research strategies.
- Analysis of material testing data on stimuli-responsive hydrogel properties.
- Evaluation of proposed future perspective studies in polymer modification.
Main Results:
- Stimuli-responsive hydrogel systems demonstrate enhanced cellular responses and distribution before gelation.
- The hydrated nature of hydrogels effectively simulates the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure.
- Thermo-responsive hydrogels are a significant focus for bone tissue engineering applications.
Conclusions:
- Injectable, stimuli-responsive hydrogels are promising for bone tissue engineering and drug delivery.
- Optimizing polymer biocompatibility and mechanical properties is essential for future advancements.
- Further research into modified natural and synthetic polymers will improve therapeutic efficacy.
