Biomolecule-conjugated macroporous hydrogels have been
investigated
in the fields of bioseparation, biocatalysts, bioreactors, cell therapy,
tissue regeneration, and environmental applications. This review focuses
on different types of biological molecules that have been conjugated
on macroporous hydrogels. A variety of techniques are available for
the fabrication of macroporous hydrogels and attachment of biomolecules.
Natural polymers, ECM components, growth factors, peptides, and proteins
have been widely used for the functionalization of macroporous hydrogels
for various biomedical applications. The major areas benefited by
the incorporation of these biomolecules are separation of cells and
biomolecules (e.g., antibodies), tissue repair and regeneration (e.g.,
peptides and ECM molecules), biocatalysts (e.g., enzymes), and control
of environmental pollution. Additionally, functionalization of macroporous
hydrogels with chemical drugs has demonstrated their controlled drug
release capabilities. Moreover, clinically available biofunctionalized
macroporous polymeric products have been briefly discussed.
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