Injectable Hydrogels: A Paradigm Tailored with Design, Characterization, and Multifaceted Approaches

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Self-healing and versatile structural integrity are key properties for advanced biomaterials in biomedicine.
• Injectable and 3D printable technologies allow for temporary dimensional changes under shear stress, enabling self-healing properties.
• These characteristics are crucial for patient-specific interventions and the advancement of personalized medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the design, characterization, and applications of self-healing injectable hydrogels (IHs).
• To explore the translation of IHs in various tissue regeneration contexts.
• To highlight the broad biomedical and non-biomedical applications of IHs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the design principles of IHs.
• Analysis of rheological characterization and stability studies for IHs.
• Compilation of benchmark results and case studies on IH applications.

Main Results:

• Self-healing IHs demonstrate significant potential for tissue regeneration.
• IHs exhibit diverse biomedical applications including anticancer, immunomodulation, wound healing, and drug delivery.
• The review covers applications in 3D printing, cosmeceuticals, photothermal therapy, and non-biomedical fields.

Conclusions:

• Self-healing IHs represent a promising paradigm for tissue regeneration and personalized medicine.
• The versatility of IHs extends to numerous biomedical and industrial applications.
• Future challenges and solutions in IH development and application are identified.