The role of magnesium hydrogels in bone regeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Magnesium, an essential element in human physiology, is predominantly located in bone tissue. Since the early 20th century, magnesium-based biomaterials have demonstrated osteoinductive and angiogenic potential, positioning them as promising candidates for bone regeneration strategies. Hydrogels, composed of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers, provide a three-dimensional microenvironment mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby supporting cell adhesion, nutrient diffusion, and controlled release of bioactive ions such as Mg²⁺. Recent advances in material science have enabled the design of multifunctional magnesium-loaded hydrogels that synergistically combine mechanical stability, immunomodulation, and spatiotemporal Mg²⁺ release to address critical-sized bone defects. This review systematically examines hydrogel classifications and elucidates magnesium-mediated biological signaling pathways that drive bone repair. A meta-analysis of 10 studies retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase was performed to assess the efficacy of magnesium-containing hydrogels in bone repair. The findings demonstrate that magnesium significantly enhances bone repair processes, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for bone defect treatment.