Developments of Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Maxillofacial Bone Regeneration

Maxillofacial bone defects usually lead to facial deformities and multifunctional impairments, which tremendously damage patients' mental health and social functioning. Recently, the thermosensitive hydrogel combined with seed cells and growth factors has offered a novel approach for maxillofacial bone regeneration. Remarkably responsive to external temperature changes, thermosensitive hydrogel can transform between sol and gel states. Furthermore, its unique properties, such as fluidity, minimally invasive injectability, localized applicability, and controllable drug release, have been increasingly recognized, endowing it with significant promise in bone regeneration. Cutting-edge research on the effects of thermosensitive hydrogels has been reviewed. However, the mechanisms involved in promoting bone regeneration in the maxillofacial region have not yet been established. This article represents the first review of the specific mechanism of thermosensitive hydrogel in angiogenesis and neurogenesis, specifically focusing on its role in maxillofacial osteogenesis. Finally, the article examines the scaffold and drug delivery capabilities of thermosensitive hydrogel in maxillofacial osteogenesis. This review is expected to provide some insights into the advanced developments of thermosensitive hydrogel for maxillofacial bone regeneration.