Synthesis strategies and functional properties of polysaccharide hydrogels for controlled drug delivery applications

Polysaccharide hydrogels have gained increasing attention as innovative platforms for controlled and stimuli-responsive drug delivery. Inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability and chemical versatility of these materials render them particularly well-suited for biomedical applications. Moreover, their ability to be engineered into 'smart' systems facilitates controlled release of therapeutic agents at target sites. This review summarizes recent advances in synthesis strategies and functional properties of polysaccharide hydrogels relevant for drug delivery.

Mechanical tunability, responsiveness to physiological stimuli and affinity-based interactions are analyzed with regards to their impact on therapeutic efficacy. Key hurdles such as manufacturing scalability, reproducibility, regulatory compliance, challenge of balancing biodegradability with mechanical stability and controlled drug release are critically discussed. Proof-of-concept studies are highlighted spanning preclinical in vivo models, as well as early clinical trials exploring application in oncology, regenerative medicine and pain management.

Polysaccharide-based stimuli-responsive and multifunctional hydrogels represent highly promising platforms for controlled and targeted drug delivery. While recent advances in biofabrication and nanotechnology have significantly expanded their therapeutic potential, important challenges including scalability, reproducibility, and clinical translation, still need to be addressed. In particular, limited availability of long-term in vivo safety and efficacy data remains a major barrier to broader clinical application.