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Polymers
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Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
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Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2017) | Viewed by 144562

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Esmaiel Jabbari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biomimetic Materials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Interests: bioinspired gels; gels for stem cell delivery; self-assembled micelles for growth factor immobilization; models gels to control cell microenvironment; composite materials with structure at multiple length scales; skeletal tissue engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogels form the foundation of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as a supportive matrix for cell immobilization and growth factor delivery. Hydrogels, due to their wide range of properties, have been used as injectable, in situ gelling, patterned matrices, viscous gels, thin sheets, and three-dimensional scaffolds in regenerative medicine to guide and regulate cell fate. It has been widely established that the fate of implanted cells is mediated by cell-matrix and matrix-morphogen interactions at nano-, micro-, and macro-scales. Further, the fate of multi-cellular implants is dependent on in situ, timed-release of growth factors to guide the differentiation and maturation of cells to different lineages. As a result, recently, there has been great interest in hydrogels with a hierarchical structure to mimic the complex interaction of cells with their microenvironment at multiple length scales, and hydrogels that can locally release growth factors to specific cells at different time scales. Related topics include hydrogels with a hierarchical structure, self-assembled hydrogels, hybrid and degradable hydrogels, load-bearing and self-healing hydrogels, hydrogels for cell encapsulation and biofabrication, hydrogels for micro-patterning, microfluidic devices, and high-throughput screening, injectable, and in situ hardening hydrogels for minimally-invasive applications, hydrogels that modulate the body’s immune response, and hydrogel-based delivery systems for spatiotemporal delivery of growth factors.

Prof. Dr. Esmaiel Jabbari
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Hydrogels with a hierarchical structure
  • Self-assembled hydrogels
  • Hybrid and degradable hydrogels
  • Load-bearing and self-healing hydrogels
  • Hydrogels for cell encapsulation and biofabrication
  • Hydrogels for micro-patterning, microfluidic devices
  • High-throughput screening, injectable
  • In situ hardening hydrogels for minimally-invasive applications
  • Hydrogels that modulate the body’s immune response
  • Hydrogel-based delivery systems for spatiotemporal delivery of growth factors

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3490 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Novel Nano-Sized Hydrogel Microcapsules via Layer-By-Layer Assembly as Delivery Vehicles for Drugs onto Hygiene Paper
by Junrong Li, Jing Zou, Huining Xiao, Beihai He, Xiaobang Hou and Liying Qian
Polymers 2018, 10(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10030335 - 19 Mar 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5303
Abstract
Hydrogel microcapsules are improved transplantation delivery vehicles for pharmaceuticals by effectively segregating the active ingredients from the surroundings and delivering them to a certain target site. Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is an attractive process to fabricate the nano-sized hydrogel microcapsules. In this study, nano-sized [...] Read more.
Hydrogel microcapsules are improved transplantation delivery vehicles for pharmaceuticals by effectively segregating the active ingredients from the surroundings and delivering them to a certain target site. Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is an attractive process to fabricate the nano-sized hydrogel microcapsules. In this study, nano-sized hydrogel microcapsules were prepared through LbL assembly using calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3 NPs) as the sacrificial inorganic template, sodium alginate (SA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the shell materials. Ciprofloxacin was used to study the encapsulation and release properties of the hydrogel microcapsules. The hydrogel microcapsules were further adsorbed onto the paper to render antimicrobial properties. The results showed that the mean size of the CaCO3 template was reduced after dispersing into sodium n-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution under sonication. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) revealed that some hydrogel microcapsules had a diameter under 200 nm, typical creases and collapses were found on the surface. The nano-sized PEI/SA hydrogel microcapsules showed high loading capacity of ciprofloxacin and a sustained release. PEI/SA hydrogel microcapsules rendered good antimicrobial properties onto the paper by the adsorption of hydrogel microcapsules, however, the mechanical properties of the hygiene paper were decreased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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19 pages, 1831 KiB  
Article
Biocompatible Porous Polyester-Ether Hydrogel Scaffolds with Cross-Linker Mediated Biodegradation and Mechanical Properties for Tissue Augmentation
by Berkay Ozcelik, Jason Palmer, Katharina Ladewig, Paula Facal Marina, Geoffrey W. Stevens, Keren Abberton, Wayne A. Morrison, Anton Blencowe and Greg G. Qiao
Polymers 2018, 10(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10020179 - 12 Feb 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4439
Abstract
Porous polyester-ether hydrogel scaffolds (PEHs) were fabricated using acid chloride/alcohol chemistry and a salt templating approach. The PEHs were produced from readily available and cheap commercial reagents via the reaction of hydroxyl terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives with sebacoyl, succinyl, or trimesoyl chloride [...] Read more.
Porous polyester-ether hydrogel scaffolds (PEHs) were fabricated using acid chloride/alcohol chemistry and a salt templating approach. The PEHs were produced from readily available and cheap commercial reagents via the reaction of hydroxyl terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives with sebacoyl, succinyl, or trimesoyl chloride to afford ester cross-links between the PEG chains. Through variation of the acid chloride cross-linkers used in the synthesis and the incorporation of a hydrophobic modifier (poly(caprolactone) (PCL)), it was possible to tune the degradation rates and mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels. Several of the hydrogel formulations displayed exceptional mechanical properties, remaining elastic without fracture at compressive strains of up to 80%, whilst still displaying degradation over a period of weeks to months. A subcutaneous rat model was used to study the scaffolds in vivo and revealed that the PEHs were infiltrated with well vascularised tissue within two weeks and had undergone significant degradation in 16 weeks without any signs of toxicity. Histological evaluation for immune responses revealed that the PEHs incite only a minor inflammatory response that is reduced over 16 weeks with no evidence of adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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13 pages, 7181 KiB  
Article
Novel Biological Hydrogel: Swelling Behaviors Study in Salt Solutions with Different Ionic Valence Number
by Yu Wang, Guidong He, Zheng Li, Jiachuan Hua, Maoqi Wu, Jixian Gong, Jianfei Zhang, Li-tong Ban and Liang Huang
Polymers 2018, 10(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10020112 - 24 Jan 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4848
Abstract
In this paper, poly γ-glutamic acid/ε-polylysine (γ-PGA/ε-PL) hydrogels were successful prepared. The γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels could be used to remove Na+, Ca2+, and Cr3+ from aqueous solution and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The performance of hydrogels were [...] Read more.
In this paper, poly γ-glutamic acid/ε-polylysine (γ-PGA/ε-PL) hydrogels were successful prepared. The γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels could be used to remove Na+, Ca2+, and Cr3+ from aqueous solution and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The performance of hydrogels were estimated under different ionic concentration, temperature, and pH. The results showed that the ionic concentration and the pH significantly influenced the swelling capacity of γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels. The swelling capacities of γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels were decreased with the increase of the ionic concentration. However, the swelling capacity of the γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogel was increased with the increase of the pH. The swelling kinetics indicated that γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels presented a more limited swelling degree in metal ion solutions with higher ionic valence numbers than in ion solutions with lower ionic valence numbers. However, the swelling kinetics of γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels showed that they proposed a satisfactory description in NaCl and CaCl2 solutions. The adsorption process was fitted with a pseudo-second-order rate equation model. Moreover, the desorption kinetics of γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels showed that they could release most of the adsorption ions. Considering the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ionic-sensitive properties, we propose that these γ-PGA/ε-PL hydrogels have high potential to be used in environmental protection, medical treatment, and other related fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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10428 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Breathable Hemostatic Hydrogel Dressings and Determination of Their Effects on Full-Thickness Defects
by Hong Pan, Daidi Fan, Wei Cao, Chenhui Zhu, Zhiguang Duan, Rongzhan Fu, Xian Li and Xiaoxuan Ma
Polymers 2017, 9(12), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9120727 - 18 Dec 2017
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7151
Abstract
Hydrogel-based wound dressings provide a cooling sensation, a moist environment, and act as a barrier to microbes for wounds. In this study, a series of soft, flexible, porous non-stick hydrogel dressings were prepared through the simple repeated freeze-thawing of a poly(vinyl alcohol), human-like [...] Read more.
Hydrogel-based wound dressings provide a cooling sensation, a moist environment, and act as a barrier to microbes for wounds. In this study, a series of soft, flexible, porous non-stick hydrogel dressings were prepared through the simple repeated freeze-thawing of a poly(vinyl alcohol), human-like collagen (or and carboxymethyl chitosan) mixed solution rather than chemical cross-linking and Tween80 was added as pore-forming agent for cutaneous wound healing. Some of their physical and chemical properties were characterized. Interestingly, hydrogel PVA-HLC-T80 and PVA-HLC-CS-T80 presented excellent swelling ratios, bacterial barrier activity, moisture vapor permeability, hemostasis activity and biocompatibility. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation of the healing capacity of these two hydrogels was checked by creating a full-thickness wound defect (1.3 cm × 1.3 cm) in rabbit. Macroscopic observation and subsequent hematoxylin eosin staining (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis at regular time intervals for 18 days revealed that the hydrogels significantly enhanced wound healing by reducing inflammation, promoting granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition and accelerating re-epithelialization. Taken together, the obtained data strongly encourage the use of these multifunctional hydrogels for skin wound dressings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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5397 KiB  
Article
A Novel Human-Like Collagen Hydrogel Scaffold with Porous Structure and Sponge-Like Properties
by Xi Song, Chenhui Zhu, Daidi Fan, Yu Mi, Xian Li, Rong Zhan Fu, Zhiguang Duan, Ya Wang and Rui Rui Feng
Polymers 2017, 9(12), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9120638 - 13 Dec 2017
Cited by 85 | Viewed by 9657
Abstract
The aim of this research was to prepare a novel sponge-like porous hydrogel scaffold based on human-like collagen (HLC) that could be applied in cartilage tissue regeneration. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a porogen to prepare the porous [...] Read more.
The aim of this research was to prepare a novel sponge-like porous hydrogel scaffold based on human-like collagen (HLC) that could be applied in cartilage tissue regeneration. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a porogen to prepare the porous hydrogel, which had not been previously reported. Glutamine transaminase (TGase) was used as the cross-linker of the hydrogel, because it could catalyze the cross-linking of BSA. During the crosslinking process, BSA and HLC were mixed together, which affected the cross-linking of HLC. When the cross-linking was completed, the non-crosslinked section formed pores. The microstructure, porosity, swelling properties, and compressive properties of the hydrogel were studied. The results showed that the pore size of the hydrogel was between 100 and 300 μm, the porosity reached up to 93.43%, and the hydrogel had rapid water absorption and suitable mechanical properties. Finally, we applied the hydrogel to cartilage tissue engineering through in vitro and in vivo research. The in vitro cell experiments suggested that the hydrogel could promote the proliferation and adhesion of chondrocytes, and in vivo transplantation of the hydrogel could enhance the repair of cartilage. In general, the hydrogel is promising as a tissue engineering scaffold for cartilage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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4469 KiB  
Article
Biomimetically Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Hybrid Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
by Hwan D. Kim, Yunsup Lee, Yunhye Kim, Yongsung Hwang and Nathaniel S. Hwang
Polymers 2017, 9(12), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9120655 - 28 Nov 2017
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8674
Abstract
Articular cartilage has a very limited regeneration capacity. Therefore, injury or degeneration of articular cartilage results in an inferior mechanical stability, load-bearing capacity, and lubrication capability. Here, we developed a biomimetic scaffold consisting of macroporous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges as a platform material [...] Read more.
Articular cartilage has a very limited regeneration capacity. Therefore, injury or degeneration of articular cartilage results in an inferior mechanical stability, load-bearing capacity, and lubrication capability. Here, we developed a biomimetic scaffold consisting of macroporous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges as a platform material for the incorporation of cell-embedded photocrosslinkable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), PEGDA-methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (PEGDA-MeCS; PCS), or PEGDA-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (PEGDA-MeHA; PHA) within its pores to improve in vitro chondrocyte functions and subsequent in vivo ectopic cartilage tissue formation. Our findings demonstrated that chondrocytes encapsulated in PCS or PHA and loaded into macroporous PVA hybrid scaffolds maintained their physiological phenotypes during in vitro culture, as shown by the upregulation of various chondrogenic genes. Further, the cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) improved the mechanical properties of the PVA-PCS and PVA-PHA hybrid scaffolds by 83.30% and 73.76%, respectively, compared to their acellular counterparts. After subcutaneous transplantation in vivo, chondrocytes on both PVA-PCS and PVA-PHA hybrid scaffolds significantly promoted ectopic cartilage tissue formation, which was confirmed by detecting cells positively stained with Safranin-O and for type II collagen. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the hybrid scaffolds were biomimetically reinforced by 80.53% and 210.74%, respectively, compared to their acellular counterparts. By enabling the recapitulation of biomimetically relevant structural and functional properties of articular cartilage and the regulation of in vivo mechanical reinforcement mediated by cell–matrix interactions, this biomimetic material offers an opportunity to control the desired mechanical properties of cell-laden scaffolds for cartilage tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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2583 KiB  
Article
Transparent Low Molecular Weight Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate-Based Hydrogels as Film Media for Photoswitchable Drugs
by Théophile Pelras, Sarah Glass, Tom Scherzer, Christian Elsner, Agnes Schulze and Bernd Abel
Polymers 2017, 9(12), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9120639 - 23 Nov 2017
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7309
Abstract
Hydrogels have shown a great potential as materials for drug delivery systems thanks to their usually excellent bio-compatibility and their ability to trap water-soluble organic molecules in a porous network. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels containing a model dye were synthesized by [...] Read more.
Hydrogels have shown a great potential as materials for drug delivery systems thanks to their usually excellent bio-compatibility and their ability to trap water-soluble organic molecules in a porous network. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels containing a model dye were synthesized by ultraviolet (UV-A) photopolymerization of low-molecular weight macro-monomers and the material properties (dye release ability, transparency, morphology, and polymerization kinetics) were studied. Real-time infrared measurements revealed that the photopolymerization of the materials was strongly limited when the dye was added to the uncured formulation. Consequently, the procedure was adapted to allow for the formation of sufficiently cured gels that are able to capture and later on to release dye molecules in phosphate-buffered saline solution within a few hours. Due to the transparency of the materials in the 400–800 nm range, the hydrogels are suitable for the loading and excitation of photoactive molecules. These can be uptaken by and released from the polymer matrix. Therefore, such materials may find applications as cheap and tailored materials in photodynamic therapy (i.e., light-induced treatment of skin infections by bacteria, fungi, and viruses using photoactive drugs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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8540 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Highly Crosslinked Gelatin Hydrogel and Its Influence on Chondrocyte Proliferation and Phenotype
by Xiaomeng Li, Jing Zhang, Naoki Kawazoe and Guoping Chen
Polymers 2017, 9(8), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9080309 - 26 Jul 2017
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 10458
Abstract
Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels have been widely studied for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, because of their good biocompatibility and injectability. However, the quick degradation and low mechanical property of GelMA hydrogels need to be improved for further applications, [...] Read more.
Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels have been widely studied for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, because of their good biocompatibility and injectability. However, the quick degradation and low mechanical property of GelMA hydrogels need to be improved for further applications, especially for long-term implantation. In this study, a sequential double modification of gelatin was used to achieve high density of photocrosslinkable double bonds in gelatin derivatives. The amino groups in gelatin were first reacted with methacrylic anhydride. After this, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in gelatin were reacted with glycidyl methacrylate to obtain the double modified gelatin macromer. The double modified gelatin macromer was used to prepare gelatin hydrogels with high crosslinking density. The hydrogels exhibited high storage modulus and low degradation. Culture of bovine articular chondrocytes in the gelatin hydrogels showed that chondrocytes had round morphology and maintained a cartilaginous phenotype while cell proliferation was hampered. This method for increasing crosslinking density should be useful for preparation of stable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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2548 KiB  
Article
Thiol-Ene Photo-Click Collagen-PEG Hydrogels: Impact of Water-Soluble Photoinitiators on Cell Viability, Gelation Kinetics and Rheological Properties
by Róisín Holmes, Xue-Bin Yang, Aishling Dunne, Larisa Florea, David Wood and Giuseppe Tronci
Polymers 2017, 9(6), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9060226 - 14 Jun 2017
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 10736
Abstract
Thiol-ene photo-click hydrogels were prepared via step-growth polymerisation using thiol-functionalised type-I collagen and 8-arm poly(ethylene glycol) norbornene-terminated (PEG-NB), as a potential injectable regenerative device. Type-I collagen was thiol-functionalised by a ring opening reaction with 2-iminothiolane (2IT), whereby up to 80 Abs.% functionalisation and [...] Read more.
Thiol-ene photo-click hydrogels were prepared via step-growth polymerisation using thiol-functionalised type-I collagen and 8-arm poly(ethylene glycol) norbornene-terminated (PEG-NB), as a potential injectable regenerative device. Type-I collagen was thiol-functionalised by a ring opening reaction with 2-iminothiolane (2IT), whereby up to 80 Abs.% functionalisation and 90 RPN% triple helical preservation were recorded via 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colorimetric assay and circular dichroism (CD). Type, i.e., either 2-Hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl]-2-methyl-1-propanone (I2959) or lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP), and concentration of photoinitiator were varied to ensure minimal photoinitiator-induced cytotoxicity and to enable thiol-ene network formation of collagen-PEG mixtures. The viability of G292 cells following 24 h culture in photoinitiator-supplemented media was largely affected by the photoinitiator concentration, with I2959-supplemented media observed to induce higher toxic response (0.1 → 0.5% (w/v) I2959, cell survival: 62 → 2 Abs.%) compared to LAP-supplemented media (cell survival: 86 → 8 Abs.%). In line with the in vitro study, selected photoinitiator concentrations were used to prepare thiol-ene photo-click hydrogels. Gelation kinetics proved to be largely affected by the specific photoinitiator, with LAP-containing thiol-ene mixtures leading to significantly reduced complete gelation time (τ: 187 s) with respect to I2959-containing mixtures (τ: 1683 s). Other than the specific photoinitiator, the photoinitiator concentration was key to adjusting the hydrogel storage modulus (G’), whereby 15-fold G’ increase (232 → 3360 Pa) was observed in samples prepared with 0.5% (w/v) compared to 0.1% (w/v) LAP. Further thiol-ene formulations with 0.5% (w/v) LAP and varied content of PEG-NB were tested to prepare photo-click hydrogels with porous architecture, as well as tunable storage modulus (G’: 540–4810 Pa), gelation time (τ: 73–300 s) and swelling ratio (SR: 1530–2840 wt %). The photoinitiator-gelation-cytotoxicity relationships established in this study will be instrumental to the design of orthogonal collagen-based niches for regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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26 pages, 6192 KiB  
Review
3D Printing and Electrospinning of Composite Hydrogels for Cartilage and Bone Tissue Engineering
by Arianna De Mori, Marta Peña Fernández, Gordon Blunn, Gianluca Tozzi and Marta Roldo
Polymers 2018, 10(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10030285 - 08 Mar 2018
Cited by 144 | Viewed by 14482
Abstract
Injuries of bone and cartilage constitute important health issues costing the National Health Service billions of pounds annually, in the UK only. Moreover, these damages can become cause of disability and loss of function for the patients with associated social costs and diminished [...] Read more.
Injuries of bone and cartilage constitute important health issues costing the National Health Service billions of pounds annually, in the UK only. Moreover, these damages can become cause of disability and loss of function for the patients with associated social costs and diminished quality of life. The biomechanical properties of these two tissues are massively different from each other and they are not uniform within the same tissue due to the specific anatomic location and function. In this perspective, tissue engineering (TE) has emerged as a promising approach to address the complexities associated with bone and cartilage regeneration. Tissue engineering aims at developing temporary three-dimensional multicomponent constructs to promote the natural healing process. Biomaterials, such as hydrogels, are currently extensively studied for their ability to reproduce both the ideal 3D extracellular environment for tissue growth and to have adequate mechanical properties for load bearing. This review will focus on the use of two manufacturing techniques, namely electrospinning and 3D printing, that present promise in the fabrication of complex composite gels for cartilage and bone tissue engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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37 pages, 2090 KiB  
Review
Hydrogels-Assisted Cell Engraftment for Repairing the Stroke-Damaged Brain: Chimera or Reality
by Daniel González-Nieto, Laura Fernández-García, José Pérez-Rigueiro, Gustavo V. Guinea and Fivos Panetsos
Polymers 2018, 10(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10020184 - 13 Feb 2018
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7507
Abstract
The use of advanced biomaterials as a structural and functional support for stem cells-based therapeutic implants has boosted the development of tissue engineering applications in multiple clinical fields. In relation to neurological disorders, we are still far from the clinical reality of restoring [...] Read more.
The use of advanced biomaterials as a structural and functional support for stem cells-based therapeutic implants has boosted the development of tissue engineering applications in multiple clinical fields. In relation to neurological disorders, we are still far from the clinical reality of restoring normal brain function in neurodegenerative diseases and cerebrovascular disorders. Hydrogel polymers show unique mechanical stiffness properties in the range of living soft tissues such as nervous tissue. Furthermore, the use of these polymers drastically enhances the engraftment of stem cells as well as their capacity to produce and deliver neuroprotective and neuroregenerative factors in the host tissue. Along this article, we review past and current trends in experimental and translational research to understand the opportunities, benefits, and types of tentative hydrogel-based applications for the treatment of cerebral disorders. Although the use of hydrogels for brain disorders has been restricted to the experimental area, the current level of knowledge anticipates an intense development of this field to reach clinics in forthcoming years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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4658 KiB  
Review
Photo Processing for Biomedical Hydrogels Design and Functionality: A Review
by Hongyi Yao, Jieqiong Wang and Shengli Mi
Polymers 2018, 10(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10010011 - 22 Dec 2017
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 8735
Abstract
A large number of opportunities for biomedical hydrogel design and functionality through photo-processing have stretched the limits of innovation. As both photochemical understanding and engineering technologies continue to develop, more complicated geometries and spatiotemporal manipulations can be realized through photo-exposure, producing multifunctional hydrogels [...] Read more.
A large number of opportunities for biomedical hydrogel design and functionality through photo-processing have stretched the limits of innovation. As both photochemical understanding and engineering technologies continue to develop, more complicated geometries and spatiotemporal manipulations can be realized through photo-exposure, producing multifunctional hydrogels with specific chemical, biological and physical characteristics for the achievement of biomedical goals. This report describes the role that light has recently played in the synthesis and functionalization of biomedical hydrogels and primarily the design of photoresponsive hydrogels via different chemical reactions (photo crosslinking and photo degradation) and conventional light curing processes (micropatterning, stereolithography and two/multiphoton techniques) as well as typical biomedical applications of the hydrogels (cell culture, differentiation and in vivo vascularization) and their promising future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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2789 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Hydrogels Containing Metal Ions and Metals/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
by Fazli Wahid, Cheng Zhong, Hai-Song Wang, Xiao-Hui Hu and Li-Qiang Chu
Polymers 2017, 9(12), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9120636 - 23 Nov 2017
Cited by 129 | Viewed by 11729
Abstract
Recently, the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has caused a serious health problem. Scientists respond to the threat by developing new antimicrobial materials to prevent or control infections caused by these pathogens. Polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels are versatile materials as an alternative to conventional [...] Read more.
Recently, the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has caused a serious health problem. Scientists respond to the threat by developing new antimicrobial materials to prevent or control infections caused by these pathogens. Polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels are versatile materials as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents. Cross-linking of polymeric materials by metal ions or the combination of polymeric hydrogels with nanoparticles (metals and metal oxide) is a simple and effective approach for obtaining a multicomponent system with diverse functionalities. Several metals and metal oxides such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and magnesium oxide (MgO) have been loaded into hydrogels for antimicrobial applications. The incorporation of metals and metal oxide nanoparticles into hydrogels not only enhances the antimicrobial activity of hydrogels, but also improve their mechanical characteristics. Herein, we summarize recent advances in hydrogels containing metal ions, metals and metal oxide nanoparticles with potential antimicrobial properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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1135 KiB  
Review
Hydrogel Based Sensors for Biomedical Applications: An Updated Review
by Javad Tavakoli and Youhong Tang
Polymers 2017, 9(8), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9080364 - 16 Aug 2017
Cited by 283 | Viewed by 21968
Abstract
Biosensors that detect and convert biological reactions to a measurable signal have gained much attention in recent years. Between 1950 and 2017, more than 150,000 papers have been published addressing the applications of biosensors in different industries, but to the best of our [...] Read more.
Biosensors that detect and convert biological reactions to a measurable signal have gained much attention in recent years. Between 1950 and 2017, more than 150,000 papers have been published addressing the applications of biosensors in different industries, but to the best of our knowledge and through careful screening, critical reviews that describe hydrogel based biosensors for biomedical applications are rare. This review discusses the biomedical application of hydrogel based biosensors, based on a search performed through Web of Science Core, PubMed (NLM), and Science Direct online databases for the years 2000–2017. In this review, we consider bioreceptors to be immobilized on hydrogel based biosensors, their advantages and disadvantages, and immobilization techniques. We identify the hydrogels that are most favored for this type of biosensor, as well as the predominant transduction strategies. We explain biomedical applications of hydrogel based biosensors including cell metabolite and pathogen detection, tissue engineering, wound healing, and cancer monitoring, and strategies for small biomolecules such as glucose, lactate, urea, and cholesterol detection are identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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Other

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12 pages, 1591 KiB  
Perspective
3D Printed Polymeric Hydrogels for Nerve Regeneration
by Binoy Maiti and David Díaz Díaz
Polymers 2018, 10(9), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10091041 - 19 Sep 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7701
Abstract
The human nervous system lacks an inherent ability to regenerate its components upon damage or diseased conditions. During the last decade, this has motivated the development of a number of strategies for nerve regeneration. However, most of those approaches have not been used [...] Read more.
The human nervous system lacks an inherent ability to regenerate its components upon damage or diseased conditions. During the last decade, this has motivated the development of a number of strategies for nerve regeneration. However, most of those approaches have not been used in clinical applications till today. For instance, although biomaterial-based scaffolds have been extensively used for nerve reparation, the lack of more customized structures have hampered their use in vivo. This highlight focuses mainly on how 3D bioprinting technology, using polymeric hydrogels as bio-inks, can be used for the development of new nerve guidance channels or devices for peripheral nerve cell regeneration. In this concise contribution, some of the most recent and representative examples are highlighted to discuss the challenges involved in various aspects of 3D bioprinting for nerve cell regeneration, specifically when using polymeric hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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1 pages, 146 KiB  
Erratum
Erratum: A Novel Human-Like Collagen Hydrogel Scaffold with Porous Structure and Sponge-Like Properties. Polymers, 2017, 9, 638
by Xi Song, Chenhui Zhu, Daidi Fan, Yu Mi, Xian Li, Rong Zhan Fu, Zhiguang Duan, Ya Wang and Rui Rui Feng
Polymers 2018, 10(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10030304 - 12 Mar 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
The authors wish to make a change to the published paper[...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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