Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
J Mater Chem B. 2024 Sep 11;12(35):8505-8522. doi: 10.1039/d4tb00716f.
Hydrogels are water-swollen polymeric matrices with properties that are remarkably similar in function to the extracellular matrix. For example, the polymer matrix provides structural support and adhesion sites for cells in much of the same way as the fibers of the extracellular matrix. In addition, depending on the polymer used, bioactive sites on the polymer may provide signals to initiate certain cell behavior. However, despite their potential as biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, fabricating hydrogels that truly mimic the physicochemical properties of the extracellular matrix to physiologically-relevant values is a challenge. Recent efforts in the field have sought to improve the physicochemical properties of hydrogels using advanced materials science and engineering methods. In this review, we highlight some of the most promising methods, including crosslinking strategies and manufacturing approaches such as 3D bioprinting and granular hydrogels. We also provide a brief perspective on the future outlook of this field and how these methods may lead to the clinical translation of hydrogel biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
水凝胶是一种水合聚合物基质，其性质在功能上与细胞外基质非常相似。例如，聚合物基质为细胞提供结构支撑和附着点，这在很大程度上与细胞外基质的纤维相同。此外，根据所使用的聚合物，聚合物上的生物活性位点可能会提供信号来启动某些细胞行为。然而，尽管它们有作为组织工程和再生医学应用的生物材料的潜力，但制造真正模拟细胞外基质物理化学性质到生理相关值的水凝胶是一个挑战。该领域最近的努力试图使用先进的材料科学和工程方法来改善水凝胶的物理化学性质。在这篇综述中，我们强调了一些最有前途的方法，包括交联策略和制造方法，如 3D 生物打印和颗粒水凝胶。我们还简要展望了该领域的未来前景，以及这些方法如何导致水凝胶生物材料在组织工程和再生医学应用中的临床转化。
