The Application of Injectable Hydrogels in Myocardial Infarction Repair: Material Design, Biological Functions and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) causes significant heart damage through inflammation, cell loss, and poor vascularization.
• Current treatments for MI have limitations in addressing the complex pathological cascade.
• Injectable hydrogels present a minimally invasive approach for cardiac repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pathology-informed design principles for injectable hydrogels in myocardial infarction repair.
• To discuss hydrogel strategies for modulating the cardiac microenvironment and promoting regeneration.
• To examine translational progress and challenges for clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of injectable hydrogel design and application in myocardial infarction.
• Analysis of hydrogel properties relevant to cardiac tissue repair (e.g., injectability, adhesion, biodegradability).
• Discussion of hydrogel-mediated therapeutic strategies (immunomodulation, angiogenesis, regeneration).

Main Results:

• Key hydrogel design principles include shear-thinning injectability, in situ gelation, tissue adhesion, modulus matching, fatigue resistance, biodegradability, and controlled bioactivity.
• Hydrogels can be engineered for immunomodulation, enhanced angiogenesis, fibrosis reduction, ECM remodeling, and myocardial regeneration.
• Translational progress is notable, but challenges in biosafety, manufacturing, standardization, and long-term efficacy remain.

Conclusions:

• Injectable hydrogels provide a versatile platform for addressing multiple pathologies post-myocardial infarction.
• Optimized hydrogel design and therapeutic delivery are crucial for effective cardiac repair and regeneration.
• Overcoming translational hurdles is essential for the clinical success of hydrogel-based therapies for MI.