Stimulus-responsive cellulose hydrogels in biomedical applications and challenges.

Stimuli-responsive cellulose hydrogels have garnered significant attention in the biomedical field owing to their extensive applications in tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery systems. Derived from cellulose and its derivatives, they are synthesized through physical or chemical cross-linking techniques, offering notable advantages such as cost-effectiveness and excellent biocompatibility. These hydrogels can respond to environmental stimuli, including pH variations, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure, enabling targeted drug release and promoting tissue regeneration. In tissue engineering, Stimuli-responsive cellulose hydrogels are used for the repair and regeneration of skin, bone, and other critical tissues. In drug delivery, they are optimized for oral, nasal, and ocular administration, as well as advanced cancer therapies. In addition, Stimuli-responsive cellulose hydrogels exhibit significant potential in disease diagnostics, particularly their conductive variants, which show promise in biosensing and diagnostic applications. However, despite their potential, challenges such as immune compatibility, long-term stability, and scalability in production remain barriers to clinical translation. Future research efforts should focus on multifunctional integration, advanced intelligent design, and enhanced stimulus responsiveness to fully unlock their potential in biomedical applications and facilitate their transition from laboratory research to practical use.