There exists a technological need for advanced materials with improved properties for emerging biomedical applications. Recent developments in macroporous materials have demonstrated their applicability as indispensable tools in biomedical research. Cryogels, which are materials with a macroporous 3D structure, are produced as a result of controlled freezing during polymerization with a highly interconnected polymer network. Cryogels’ interest lies in their ability to address some of the limitations of their hydrogel analogues. In this review, hydrogel and cryogel basic concepts are discussed as a short primer for readers unfamiliar with the cryogels literature. Next, a general overview of the methods for synthesis and characterization of cryogels is provided, highlighting key concepts relevant to cryogels and explaining their unique properties. Finally an in‐depth overview of specific technologies and fields where cryogels have been applied is given. It is argued that the latest advances in cryogel technologies are able to address challenges in bioseparation, tissue engineering, and other emerging bioengineering disciplines.

HighlightsActive immunotherapy is promising for the development of potent cancer therapeutics.Various types of artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) may be used as ‘off-the-shelf’ products to induce antigen-specific T cell activation both ex vivo and in vivo.Size, shape, cytokine delivery mechanism, ligand composition, ligand mobility, and ligand positioning on aAPCs all have significant effects on T cell activation, and therefore should be taken into account when designing novel constructs.

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