Recent Developments in Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Hydrogels are being investigated for their application in inducing the regeneration of various tissues, and suitable conditions for each tissue are becoming more apparent. Conditions such as the mechanical properties, degradation period, degradation mechanism, and cell affinity can be tailored by changing the molecular structure, especially in the case of polymers. Furthermore, many high-functional hydrogels with drug delivery systems (DDSs), in which drugs or bioactive substances are contained in controlled hydrogels, have been reported. This review focuses on the molecular design and function of biopolymer-based hydrogels and introduces recent developments in functional hydrogels for clinical applications.

Recent Tissue Engineering Approaches to Mimicking the Extracellular Matrix Structure for Skin Regeneration

“…A hydrogel is a three-dimensional network structure composed primarily of macromolecules in a water solvent [ 8 ]. This network is formed through covalent or non-covalent bonds, which vary depending on the presence or absence of non-covalent interaction points or chemical crosslinking points based on the structures of the biopolymers and synthetic polymers used.…”

“…Hydrogels are relatively easy to use in situ compared to other morphological processing methods. In particular, biopolymers such as collagen and elastin mimic the spatial and biological environment of the skin ECM around the cells [ 8 ]. The mechanical properties, degradation period, and DDS behavior can be controlled not only by the choice of material but also by the choice of the physicochemical crosslinking method and its crosslinking density.…”

“…In addition, as discussed in later sections, cells perceive the stiffness and spatial size of the adherent substrate as a mechanical stimulus, so it is also necessary to set the size and stiffness similar to those of the ECM of the tissue from which it is derived. These strategies can be broadly categorized into the use of ECM components (natural polymers such as collagen and elastin) for material selection, scaffold shapes of porous forms (fiber sheets, hydrogels, and sponges) that mimic the three-dimensional network structure of the ECM, and multilayered forms, such as the epidermis and dermis layers [ 2 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Moreover, the introduction of cells, GFs, and drugs selected with a focus on each stage of the wound-healing process, combined with these perspectives, makes it possible to increase the rate of neotissue formation [ 12 ].…”

Food Peptides for the Nutricosmetic Industry

“…Collagen is the most widely distributed protein in mammals. It confers support and strength to human skin and can restore flexibility and elasticity [ 108 ]. Collagen has a role in the structural integrity and strength of connective tissues (e.g., tendons, teeth, and skin) [ 109 ].…”

Enhanced antibacterial and adhesive properties of chitosan/gelatin hydrogel containing berberine hydrochloride and prepolymerized gallic acid exhibiting aggregation‐induced emission

“…In addition, the three-dimensional (3D) pore structure of the hydrogel also absorbs postoperative purulent secretions and has a hemostatic effect, 7 especially biopolymer-based hydrogels. 8 As a biocompatible biomolecule, gelatin can be modified for free radical polymerization and can be compounded with other macromolecules to produce a hydrogel substrate with good water-absorbing and hemostatic effects. 9,10 The properties of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based hydrogel are very similar to some of the essential properties of the native extracellular matrix that allow cells to proliferate and spread within the GelMA-based hydrogel.…”