Spatiotemporally Controlled Photoresponsive Hydrogels: Design and Predictive Modeling from Processing through...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Photoresponsive hydrogels (PRHs) are adaptable soft materials.
• Their mechanical and chemical properties can be precisely controlled in space and time.
• Both photo-crosslinkable and photodegradable PRHs are valuable in biomedical applications needing tissue-like characteristics or programmed responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review theoretical tools and design principles for engineering PRHs.
• To consolidate models that optimize PRH photochemistry, polymer matrices, nanofillers, and architecture.
• To highlight key applications and challenges in PRH modeling and use.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of theoretical models and design principles for PRHs.
• Analysis of studies focusing on photochemistry, polymer matrices, nanofillers, and architecture.
• Synthesis of information on applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and soft robotics.

Main Results:

• Theoretical tools are crucial for optimizing PRH engineering.
• Established models and design principles facilitate PRH applications.
• Key applications include tissue engineering, drug delivery, and soft robotics.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in PRH engineering rely on theoretical frameworks.
• PRHs show significant promise in various biomedical fields.
• Further research is needed to address current challenges in PRH modeling and application.