Injectable microgel and micro-granular hydrogels for bone tissue engineering.
Melika Mansouri Moghaddam1, Elaheh Jooybar1, Rana Imani1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran.
Biofabrication
|April 14, 2025
Summary
Injectable microgels offer versatile applications in bone tissue engineering (BTE) as cell carriers and bioactive agent delivery systems. This review explores their materials, fabrication, and diverse roles in bone regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Injectable microgels, derived from natural or synthetic sources, are advanced platforms for targeted delivery.
- They function as effective micro-scaffolds, promoting cell growth and differentiation crucial for bone regeneration.
- Microgels can be administered individually or as aggregated micro-granular hydrogels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common materials and fabrication methods for injectable microgels.
- To explore the characteristics and applications of microgels in bone tissue engineering (BTE).
- To discuss current and future potential of microgels in bone tissue regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of injectable microgel preparation techniques.
- Analysis of microgel properties relevant to BTE.
- Synthesis of information on diverse BTE applications.
Main Results:
- Identified various natural and synthetic materials for microgel synthesis.
- Detailed common fabrication techniques for injectable microgels.
- Cataloged applications including cell carriers, bioactive molecule delivery, and micro-granular hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Injectable microgels are highly promising for bone tissue engineering.
- Their applications range from cell/drug delivery to bio-inks and microtissues.
- Future research holds significant potential for advancing bone regeneration therapies.
