Energy‐Dissipative Hydrogels: A Promising Material for Tissue Regeneration^†

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryHydrogels are promising candidates for mimicking native extracellular matrix (ECM) and are therefore widely adopted as scaffolds in tissue engineering. However, conventional hydrogels composed of static networks are prone to permanent structural damages and lack the ability to provide the time‐dependent mechanical cues, which are essential for cell development, ECM remodeling, and tissue regeneration. The recent substantial development in the structurally dynamic hydrogels with energy‐dissipative ability has demonstrated the unique capability of such viscoelastic hydrogels to withstand extreme biomechanical loads and regulate cellular behaviors not present in classical hydrogels. This review starts with the general design principles for energy‐dissipative hydrogels, followed by recent advancements in fabrication approaches for energy‐dissipative hydrogels. We then highlight some applications of energy‐dissipative hydrogels in tissue engineering, including bone and cartilage regeneration, vessel regeneration, nerve regeneration, and wound healing. Finally, we discuss about the key current challenges and future development of energy‐dissipative hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Bio‐Inspired Far‐From‐Equilibrium Hydrogels: Design Principles and Applications

“…[81][82][83] In living organisms, this unique feature allows various constituents and self-assembled structures to dynamically respond to their surroundings, adapt to changing conditions, and carry out essential biological processes, such as cytoskeletal networks, parts of the extracellular matrix and the mitotic spindle. [84,85] These structures actively consume energy through irreversible processes to maintain their structure and function. They respond to a diverse range of external stimuli and adapt to ever-changing environment, playing crucial roles in essential cellular processes such as cell division, tissue remodeling, and cellular movement and transport.…”

“…Recently, the prevalence of non‐equilibrium dynamics and adaptive properties in many dominant systems is more fascinating [81–83] . In living organisms, this unique feature allows various constituents and self‐assembled structures to dynamically respond to their surroundings, adapt to changing conditions, and carry out essential biological processes, such as cytoskeletal networks, parts of the extracellular matrix and the mitotic spindle [84,85] . These structures actively consume energy through irreversible processes to maintain their structure and function.…”