Dynamic Hydrogels: Adaptive Biomaterials for Engineering Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Treatment
Yuting Wu, Yifei Xiao, Bohan Yin, Siu Hong Dexter Wong
Abstract
Dynamic hydrogels are revolutionizing tumor microenvironment (TME) engineering through their stimuli-responsive adaptability, mechanical tunability, and capacity for multifunctional integration. In addition, they are excellent biomaterials for cancer treatments, including their biomimetic properties and controlled cargo release capability. This review introduces the rational design and principles of dynamic hydrogels for recreating the tumor microenvironment and cancer therapy, including natural/synthetic hydrogels, multi-stimuli responsive hydrogels, and multi-drug loading hydrogels. These designs emphasize their unique roles in overcoming drug resistance, enhancing immunotherapy, and enabling patient-specific models. We highlight breakthroughs such as dual-responsive nanocomposites and microfluidic-integrated 3D platforms while addressing translational hurdles like cytotoxicity and regulatory delays. By proposing strategies to bridge material science with clinical needs, this work positions dynamic hydrogels as pivotal tools for next-generation precision oncology.