Functional polysaccharide-based hydrogel in bone regeneration: From fundamentals to advanced applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Bone regeneration is often insufficient, necessitating interventions like autografts, allografts, and xenografts, which have limitations.
• Functional polysaccharide hydrogels are emerging as superior alternatives due to biocompatibility and tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review functional polysaccharide hydrogels for bone and cartilage regeneration.
• To highlight their role in intelligent drug delivery systems.
• To evaluate preparation methods, healing mechanisms, and future prospects.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on functional polysaccharide hydrogels.
• Analysis of hydrogel properties, including drug-loading, biocompatibility, and modification.
• Examination of applications in bone and cartilage defect repair.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharide hydrogels provide an optimal microenvironment for bone repair.
• Incorporating bioactive molecules significantly enhances bone regeneration.
• These hydrogels show potential in intelligent delivery systems and cartilage repair.

Conclusions:

• Functional polysaccharide hydrogels represent a significant advancement in regenerative medicine for bone and cartilage.
• Further research into their preparation and bioactive molecule integration is crucial for clinical translation.
• These materials offer a promising future for treating bone defects and injuries.