Hydrogel microparticles for biomedical applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) are versatile platforms for biomedical applications.
• They enable the encapsulation of biologics like cells and drugs.
• HMPs offer advantages over traditional bulk hydrogels in various therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fabrication techniques for hydrogel microparticles.
• To discuss the multiscale behaviors and functional properties of HMP systems.
• To highlight the applications of HMPs in cell delivery, drug delivery, scaffold design, and biofabrication.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on HMP fabrication and applications.
• Discussion of techniques including batch emulsion, microfluidics, lithography, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying, and mechanical fragmentation.
• Analysis of HMP formulation in suspensions, granular hydrogels, and embedded systems.

Main Results:

• HMPs can be fabricated with controlled shapes and sizes for specific biomedical needs.
• Formulations include injectable suspensions and granular hydrogels for minimally invasive delivery.
• HMPs exhibit modular properties, especially when mixed, offering tunable functionalities.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel microparticles represent a significant advancement in therapeutic delivery and tissue engineering scaffolds.
• Their tunable properties and fabrication methods allow for tailored solutions in regenerative medicine and biofabrication.
• HMPs provide a promising alternative to conventional bulk hydrogels, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and material design.