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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Liquid-liquid phase separation-driven coacervate-derived hydrogels and their biological applications
Jiao Zhang1, Qian Hu2, Qi Xie3
1Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Research and Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610073, China.
Summary
Coacervate-derived hydrogels, inspired by marine mussels, show great promise for drug delivery and regenerative medicine due to their tunable properties and high loading capacity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Coacervation, a phase separation process, occurs both intracellularly and extracellularly.
- Extracellular coacervation in marine mussels has inspired the development of novel biomaterials.
- Coacervate-derived hydrogels are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation and gelation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review coacervate-derived hydrogels.
- To elucidate their formation, characterization, and material systems.
- To highlight their applications in drug delivery and beyond.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of coacervate-derived hydrogel formation mechanisms.
- Evaluation of characterization techniques and material compositions.
- Assessment of diverse hydrogel forms (injectable, powder-based, stimuli-responsive).
Main Results:
- Coacervate-derived hydrogels exhibit high drug loading capacity and preserve bioactivity.
- Tunable release kinetics in response to physiological stimuli are achievable.
- Applications extend to bioadhesives, tissue engineering, 3D printing, and artificial tissue construction.
Conclusions:
- Coacervate-derived hydrogels are versatile biomaterials with significant potential in drug delivery, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine.
- Challenges include in vivo stability, controlled release, biosafety, and clinical translation.
- Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges for broader clinical application.
