Issue 38, 2019

In situ-forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels for cell delivery

Abstract

Injectable, in situ-forming hydrogels can improve cell delivery in tissue engineering applications by facilitating minimally invasive delivery to irregular defect sites and improving cell retention and survival. Tissues targeted for cell delivery often undergo diverse mechanical loading including high stress, high strain, and repetitive loading conditions. This review focuses on the development of hydrogel systems that meet the requirements of mechanical resiliency, cytocompatibility, and injectability for such applications. First, we describe the most important design considerations for maintaining the viability and function of encapsulated cells, for reproducing the target tissue morphology, and for achieving degradation profiles that facilitate tissue replacement. Models describing the relationships between hydrogel structure and mechanical properties are described, focusing on design principles necessary for producing mechanically resilient hydrogels. The advantages and limitations of current strategies for preparing cytocompatible, injectable, and mechanically resilient hydrogels are reviewed, including double networks, nanocomposites, and high molecular weight amphiphilic copolymer networks. Finally, challenges and opportunities are outlined to guide future research in this developing field.

Graphical abstract: In situ-forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels for cell delivery

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
08 jul. 2019
Accepted
02 sep. 2019
First published
03 sep. 2019

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5742-5761

In situ-forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels for cell delivery

S. A. Young, H. Riahinezhad and B. G. Amsden, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 5742 DOI: 10.1039/C9TB01398A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements