Research Progress of Sodium Alginate-Based Hydrogels in Myocardial Infarction Treatment

Myocardial infarction (MI), a prevalent critical cardiovascular disease (CVD), poses a severe threat to patients' lives. Despite the availability of pharmacological, interventional, and surgical treatments in clinical practice, these conventional therapies encounter the bottleneck of difficulty in repairing and reconstructing damaged myocardial tissue. Additionally, novel cardiac repair approaches based on stem cell and cardiomyocyte injections are restricted by the harsh microenvironment of infarcted areas. However, biomaterial hydrogels emerge as promising candidates for MI treatment due to their strong mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, high water absorption capacity, and excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These features enable them to enhance the microenvironment, promote myocardial regeneration, and restore myocardial function. This article delves into the therapeutic effects of sodium alginate (SA) and its composite hydrogel materials in repairing and regenerating myocardial injuries caused by MI. Furthermore, it offers insights into the future research directions of SA and its composite hydrogel materials. It also explores their potential applications in the field of CVDs.Impact StatementThis review article highlights the significance and potential impact of sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogels in myocardial infarction (MI) treatment. It effectively communicates the importance of the research, the gap in the current treatments for MI, and how the reviewed SA hydrogels offer a promising solution with their unique properties. It also clearly states the intended contribution to the field and the potential benefits for researchers and clinicians.