Recent Developments in Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Rikako Hama, Anudari Ulziibayar, James W. Reinhardt, Tatsuya Watanabe, John Kelly, Toshiharu Shinoka
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.