Recent advances in hydrogels applications for tissue engineering and clinical trials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrogels are biomolecules composed of artificial and natural polymers with a unique quasi-three-dimensional structure.
• Their hydrophilic nature, high swelling capacity, water retention, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength make them ideal for various applications.
• These properties have established hydrogels as attractive scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with growing clinical relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse polymers utilized in the fabrication of hydrogel scaffolds.
• To examine the applications of these hydrogels in the repair of various human tissues.
• To discuss the current status and future prospects of hydrogels in clinical trials for tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications and clinical trial data.
• Analysis of polymer types and their specific properties relevant to hydrogel formation.
• Categorization of hydrogel applications based on tissue type and repair strategies.

Main Results:

• Identification of a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers employed in hydrogel synthesis.
• Demonstration of hydrogel efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies for tissue repair.
• Highlighting the significant potential of hydrogels in advancing regenerative medicine.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogels possess a unique combination of properties making them highly suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds.
• The selection of appropriate polymers is crucial for tailoring hydrogel performance to specific tissue repair needs.
• Hydrogels are poised to play a pivotal role in future medical treatments for tissue regeneration and repair.