Hydrogel-Based Strategies for the Management of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a type of bone infection caused by bacteria, with Staphylococcus sepsis being responsible for most cases. Osteomyelitis treatment generally requires a multifaceted approach that may include intervention of surgery and administration of antibacterial agents, where several materials have been utilized as delivery vehicles for antibiotics and other antibacterial materials. Hydrogel has become a popular candidate for osteomyelitis treatment due to its biocompatibility, water-containing porous structure, and adaptable physicochemical properties. In this review, we discuss several hydrogel-based strategies for osteomyelitis treatment and categorized them based on the encapsulated cargos (i.e., antibiotics, silver nanoparticles, protein and bacteriophage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator). Several representative examples of osteomyelitis treatment using hydrogels are described here, focusing on their design, preparation, properties, and outcomes. We also provide our perspectives on the remaining concerns regarding fabricating advanced hydrogels for osteomyelitis treatment. This review will be valuable to the hydrogel community and inspire researchers to develop next-generation hydrogels for specific and practical clinical applications in osteomyelitis.