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Review
. 2024 Oct 16;10(10):662.
doi: 10.3390/gels10100662.

Advancements in Hydrogels for Corneal Healing and Tissue Engineering

Kevin Y Wu  1 , Shu Yu Qian  2 , Anne Faucher  1 , Simon D Tran  3
Affiliations
Review

Advancements in Hydrogels for Corneal Healing and Tissue Engineering

Kevin Y Wu et al. Gels. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: biomaterial; cell encapsulation; corneal pathologies; corneal tissue engineering; corneal transplantation; hybrid hydrogels; hydrogels; nanotechnology; polymers; stimuli-responsive gels; tissue repair.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification of hydrogels.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Layers of the cornea. Reprinted from Wu et al., 2024 [32].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Corneal healing process involving keratocyte activation via interleukins as well as LESC differentiation and migration. Reprinted from Shixu Li et al., 2023 [58]. Used under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ (accessed on 30 August 2024)).
Figure 4
Figure 4
The main steps of corneal cell regeneration. This process speeds up in cases of corneal injuries. Reprinted from Shiding Li et al., 2024 [68]. Used under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ (accessed on 30 August 2024)).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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