Elastomer–Hydrogel Systems: From Bio-Inspired Interfaces to Medical Applications

Abstract

Novel advanced biomaterials have recently gained great attention, especially in minimally invasive surgical techniques. By applying sophisticated design and engineering methods, various elastomer–hydrogel systems (EHS) with outstanding performance have been developed in the last decades. These systems composed of elastomers and hydrogels are very attractive due to their high biocompatibility, injectability, controlled porosity and often antimicrobial properties. Moreover, their elastomeric properties and bioadhesiveness are making them suitable for soft tissue engineering. Herein, we present the advances in the current state-of-the-art design principles and strategies for strong interface formation inspired by nature (bio-inspiration), the diverse properties and applications of elastomer–hydrogel systems in different medical fields, in particular, in tissue engineering. The functionalities of these systems, including adhesive properties, injectability, antimicrobial properties and degradability, applicable to tissue engineering will be discussed in a context of future efforts towards the development of advanced biomaterials.

Keywords

• elastomers
• hydrogels
• elastomer–hydrogel systems
• injectable biomaterials
• adhesive surfaces
• tissue engineering