Wu Kevin Y, Qian Shu Yu, Faucher Anne, Tran Simon D
Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada.
Gels. 2024 Oct 16;10(10):662. doi: 10.3390/gels10100662.
Hydrogels have garnered significant attention for their versatile applications across various fields, including biomedical engineering. This review delves into the fundamentals of hydrogels, exploring their definition, properties, and classification. Hydrogels, as three-dimensional networks of crosslinked polymers, possess tunable properties such as biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and hydrophilicity, making them ideal for medical applications. Uniquely, this article offers original insights into the application of hydrogels specifically for corneal tissue engineering, bridging a gap in current research. The review further examines the anatomical and functional complexities of the cornea, highlighting the challenges associated with corneal pathologies and the current reliance on donor corneas for transplantation. Considering the global shortage of donor corneas, this review discusses the potential of hydrogel-based materials in corneal tissue engineering. Emphasis is placed on the synthesis processes, including physical and chemical crosslinking, and the integration of bioactive molecules. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, which react to environmental triggers, are identified as promising tools for drug delivery and tissue repair. Additionally, clinical applications of hydrogels in corneal pathologies are explored, showcasing their efficacy in various trials. Finally, the review addresses the challenges of regulatory approval and the need for further research to fully realize the potential of hydrogels in corneal tissue engineering, offering a promising outlook for future developments in this field.
水凝胶因其在包括生物医学工程在内的各个领域的广泛应用而备受关注。这篇综述深入探讨了水凝胶的基本原理，探究了它们的定义、性质和分类。水凝胶作为交联聚合物的三维网络，具有生物相容性、机械强度和亲水性等可调节的性质，使其成为医学应用的理想选择。独特的是，本文对水凝胶在角膜组织工程中的应用提供了独到见解，弥补了当前研究的空白。该综述进一步研究了角膜的解剖学和功能复杂性，强调了与角膜病变相关的挑战以及目前角膜移植对供体角膜的依赖。考虑到全球供体角膜的短缺，本综述讨论了水凝胶基材料在角膜组织工程中的潜力。重点放在合成过程上，包括物理和化学交联，以及生物活性分子的整合。对环境触发因素作出反应的刺激响应性水凝胶被认为是药物递送和组织修复的有前途的工具。此外，还探讨了水凝胶在角膜病变中的临床应用，展示了它们在各种试验中的疗效。最后，该综述阐述了监管审批的挑战以及进一步研究以充分实现水凝胶在角膜组织工程中的潜力的必要性，为该领域的未来发展提供了有希望的前景。
