Hydrogel Properties and Their Impact on Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Hydrogels (HGs), as three-dimensional structures, are widely used in modern medicine, including regenerative medicine. The use of HGs in wound treatment and tissue engineering is a rapidly developing sector of medicine. The unique properties of HGs allow researchers to easily modify them to maximize their potential. Herein, we describe the physicochemical properties of HGs, which determine their subsequent applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Examples of chemical modifications of HGs and their applications are described based on the latest scientific reports.

Keywords: hydrogel; physicochemical properties; regenerative medicine; tissue engineering.

Figure 1

Types of pores in the material: (1) transport pores, (2) closed pores, (3) open pores.

Figure 2

Extracellular matrix localization in living tissue.

Figure 3

Example of self-healing mechanisms supported by (A) electrostatic interactions, (B) host–guest interactions, (C) hydrogen bonds, (D) hydrophobic interactions, (E) π–π stacking, (F) acylhydrazone bonds, (G) boronate-diol complexation, (H) Diels–Alder reaction, (I) disulfide bonds, and (J) imine bonds.

Figure 4

Sol–gel transition of a (A) pH-responsive HG and (B) thermoresponsive HG.

Figure 5

Illustration of the thermoresponsive mechanism of (A) PEP and (B) PEP-AG HGs. Adapted with permission from [102]. Copyright (2020) American Chemical Society.

Figure 6

Schematic illustration of photoresponsive HG with host–guest interactions. Reprinted with permission from [108].

Figure 7

Schematic preparation and application of paintable, conductive HGs. Reprinted with permission from [133].

Figure 8

Examples of 3D bioprinting methods. Reprinted with permission from [148].