“…These 3-D polymeric structures are normally constructed by crosslinking hydrophilic polymeric chains [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Depending on the polymeric composition, hydrogels can be categorized into natural, synthetic and hybrid hydrogels [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. While the latter two types are normally associated with low biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo [ 35 , 36 ], batch variations, limited functionality and potential immunogenic effects limit the applications of the natural types of hydrogels [ 30 , 37 , 38 ].…”