A review of thermosensitive polysaccharide-based composite hydrogels for therapeutic applications

In recent years, polysaccharide-based thermosensitive hydrogels have been widely used in therapeutic applications ranging from controlled drug release to wound healing and cell culture. One type of thermosensitive hydrogel is a solution below its transition temperature and a gel above this temperature. In addition to being biocompatible and biodegradable, these hydrogels are easily injectable, making them ideal for local injections at desired sites. Creating new composite systems based on these thermosensitive hydrogels and nanocarriers is a necessary step forwards in therapy, as it enables the combination of several existing systems to create a new system, either improving the properties of existing hydrogels or providing new properties. Sometimes, this approach allows several therapies to be combined within the same device. This review first analyses the components of these new systems' main matrices: polysaccharides and low critical solution temperature (LCST) moieties. Different composite systems based on thermosensitive polymers, particularly with nanoparticles (NPs) based on polymers, lipids, and inorganic compounds, are discussed to establish the role played by each element and determine the added therapeutic value of combining them. The effects on controlled release are also addressed. Finally, future developments in these systems are proposed, particularly in combined therapy and therapeutic approaches.