Engineering the microenvironment: smart hydrogels and advanced scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Abstract

Hydrogel materials possess unique physicochemical properties, including high water absorption, strong moisture retention, biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, environmental responsiveness, biodegradability, and a three-dimensional network structure. These characteristics endow them with significant practical value and broad application prospects in fields such as tissue engineering and biomedicine. Based on recent advances in both domestic and international research, this review focuses on the applications of biomedical hydrogels in emerging areas such as tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings. The materials covered include natural polymer hydrogels, synthetic hydrogels, ceramic‒polymer composites, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels. Additionally, this paper introduces hydrogel fabrication technologies and reviews commercially available hydrogel-based products in the medical field. As part of the progress in tissue engineering applications, this review aims to provide a reference for further clinical development and application.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

biomedical hydrogel / tissue engineering / 3D bioprinting / scaffold / smart material / clinical translation

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