Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (Sep 2022)

Advanced injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

  • Senbo Zhu,
  • Senbo Zhu,
  • Yong Li,
  • Zeju He,
  • Zeju He,
  • Lichen Ji,
  • Lichen Ji,
  • Wei Zhang,
  • Yu Tong,
  • Junchao Luo,
  • Dongsheng Yu,
  • Qiong Zhang,
  • Qing Bi,
  • Qing Bi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.954501
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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The rapid development of tissue engineering makes it an effective strategy for repairing cartilage defects. The significant advantages of injectable hydrogels for cartilage injury include the properties of natural extracellular matrix (ECM), good biocompatibility, and strong plasticity to adapt to irregular cartilage defect surfaces. These inherent properties make injectable hydrogels a promising tool for cartilage tissue engineering. This paper reviews the research progress on advanced injectable hydrogels. The cross-linking method and structure of injectable hydrogels are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, polymers, cells, and stimulators commonly used in the preparation of injectable hydrogels are thoroughly reviewed. Finally, we summarize the research progress of the latest advanced hydrogels for cartilage repair and the future challenges for injectable hydrogels.

Keywords