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Review
. 2024 Oct 24;25(21):11426.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252111426.

Use of Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine: Focus on Mechanical Properties

Flavia Carton  1 , Manuela Rizzi  1 , Elena Canciani  1 , Gianluca Sieve  1 , Dalila Di Francesco  1   2 , Simona Casarella  1 , Luca Di Nunno  1   2 , Francesca Boccafoschi  1
Affiliations
Review

Use of Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine: Focus on Mechanical Properties

Flavia Carton et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Bioengineered materials represent an innovative option to support the regenerative processes of damaged tissues, with the final objective of creating a functional environment closely mimicking the native tissue. Among the different available biomaterials, hydrogels represent the solution of choice for tissue regeneration, thanks to the easy synthesis process and the highly tunable physical and mechanical properties. Moreover, hydrogels are biocompatible and biodegradable, able to integrate in biological environments and to support cellular interactions in order to restore damaged tissues' functionality. This review offers an overview of the current knowledge concerning hydrogel synthesis and characterization and of the recent achievements in their experimental use in supporting skin, bone, cartilage, and muscle regeneration. The currently available in vitro and in vivo results are of great interest, highlighting the need for carefully designed and controlled preclinical studies and clinical trials to support the transition of these innovative biomaterials from the bench to the bedside.

Keywords: biocompatibility; biomaterials; hydrogel; regenerative medicine; tissue engineering; tissue mechanical properties.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of hydrogel performance in supporting wound healing. Image created with BioRender.com.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic representation of hydrogel uses in supporting bone regeneration. Image created with BioRender.com.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic representation of hydrogel uses in supporting articular cartilage regeneration. BMSC = bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, ACs = articular chondrocytes, CPCs = chondroprogenitor cells. Image created with BioRender.com.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic representation of hydrogel uses in supporting skeletal muscle regeneration. Image created with BioRender.com.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic representation of hydrogel uses in supporting cardiac muscle regeneration. Image created with BioRender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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