Current and Future Prospective of Injectable Hydrogels-Design Challenges and Limitations

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels (IHs) are advanced smart biomaterials enabling minimally invasive implantation.
• Their tunable structures and stimuli-responsive properties offer broad biomedical potential.
• IHs are investigated for tissue engineering, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and more.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the current development of key injectable hydrogel types.
• To analyze structural chemistry, synthesis, crosslinking, and responsive release mechanisms.
• To discuss IHs' future prospects, challenges, and regulatory landscape.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of FDA-approved, clinical trial, and commercially available IHs.
• Analysis of IHs' material properties, fabrication techniques, and in situ applications.
• Evaluation of current research trends and prospective developments in IH technology.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of various IH types, their synthesis, and crosslinking strategies.
• Exploration of stimuli-responsive behaviors and controlled release capabilities.
• Identification of IHs with FDA approval, in clinical trials, or on the market.

Conclusions:

• Injectable hydrogels represent a promising class of biomaterials with diverse biomedical applications.
• Further research into synthesis, fabrication, and in situ application is crucial for overcoming existing challenges.
• Addressing regulatory affairs is essential for the successful clinical translation of IH technologies.