Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications

This article reviews injectable hydrogels and their unique properties such as the ability to fill irregular defect sites and support cellular activities. Injectable hydrogels have become invaluable tools for creating three-dimensional (3D) cell-laden scaffolds in cartilage tissue engineer...

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Main Authors: Alma Tamunonengiofori Banigo, Alex Nwekwo, Bram Zoetebier, Marcel Karperien
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Academia.edu Journals 2025-01-01
Series:Academia Biology
Online Access:https://www.academia.edu/127385799/Injectable_hydrogels_for_cartilage_tissue_engineering_key_design_needs_toward_clinical_applications
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author Alma Tamunonengiofori Banigo
Alex Nwekwo
Bram Zoetebier
Marcel Karperien
author_facet Alma Tamunonengiofori Banigo
Alex Nwekwo
Bram Zoetebier
Marcel Karperien
author_sort Alma Tamunonengiofori Banigo
collection DOAJ
description This article reviews injectable hydrogels and their unique properties such as the ability to fill irregular defect sites and support cellular activities. Injectable hydrogels have become invaluable tools for creating three-dimensional (3D) cell-laden scaffolds in cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). This review centers on the design requirements and clinical applications of injectable hydrogels in this domain. We begin by examining material selection, emphasizing the importance of biocompatibility and mechanical properties crucial for successful CTE. Various cross-linking mechanisms are explored, highlighting enzymatic and chemical methods that ensure the stability and functionality of the hydrogels. The review then delves into specific applications of injectable hydrogels in CTE, demonstrating their ability to support chondrocyte function and facilitate extracellular matrix formation. Current clinical trials and commercially available products are underscored, showcasing the progress and potential of these hydrogels in clinical settings. Notable examples include hydrogels utilized for articular cartilage repair and those combined with growth factors to enhance tissue regeneration. Future perspectives for injectable hydrogels in CTE highlight the need for improved mechanical strength, longevity, and better integration with host tissues. Advancements in hydrogel formulations, including the incorporation of bioactive molecules and stimuli-responsive systems, are crucial for further progress in the field. In conclusion, injectable hydrogels represent a versatile and promising approach for CTE. By addressing specific design needs and leveraging advanced production techniques, these hydrogels have the potential to significantly impact clinical applications, offering effective solutions for tissue repair and regeneration.
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spelling doaj-art-fa6b725f22cc4d2990ed334d030a77ea2025-08-20T02:16:49ZengAcademia.edu JournalsAcademia Biology2837-40102025-01-013110.20935/AcadBiol7512Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applicationsAlma Tamunonengiofori Banigo0Alex Nwekwo1Bram Zoetebier2Marcel Karperien3Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.Department of Geology/Physics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands. This article reviews injectable hydrogels and their unique properties such as the ability to fill irregular defect sites and support cellular activities. Injectable hydrogels have become invaluable tools for creating three-dimensional (3D) cell-laden scaffolds in cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). This review centers on the design requirements and clinical applications of injectable hydrogels in this domain. We begin by examining material selection, emphasizing the importance of biocompatibility and mechanical properties crucial for successful CTE. Various cross-linking mechanisms are explored, highlighting enzymatic and chemical methods that ensure the stability and functionality of the hydrogels. The review then delves into specific applications of injectable hydrogels in CTE, demonstrating their ability to support chondrocyte function and facilitate extracellular matrix formation. Current clinical trials and commercially available products are underscored, showcasing the progress and potential of these hydrogels in clinical settings. Notable examples include hydrogels utilized for articular cartilage repair and those combined with growth factors to enhance tissue regeneration. Future perspectives for injectable hydrogels in CTE highlight the need for improved mechanical strength, longevity, and better integration with host tissues. Advancements in hydrogel formulations, including the incorporation of bioactive molecules and stimuli-responsive systems, are crucial for further progress in the field. In conclusion, injectable hydrogels represent a versatile and promising approach for CTE. By addressing specific design needs and leveraging advanced production techniques, these hydrogels have the potential to significantly impact clinical applications, offering effective solutions for tissue repair and regeneration.https://www.academia.edu/127385799/Injectable_hydrogels_for_cartilage_tissue_engineering_key_design_needs_toward_clinical_applications
spellingShingle Alma Tamunonengiofori Banigo
Alex Nwekwo
Bram Zoetebier
Marcel Karperien
Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications
Academia Biology
title Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications
title_full Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications
title_fullStr Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications
title_full_unstemmed Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications
title_short Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: key design needs toward clinical applications
title_sort injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering key design needs toward clinical applications
url https://www.academia.edu/127385799/Injectable_hydrogels_for_cartilage_tissue_engineering_key_design_needs_toward_clinical_applications
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AT bramzoetebier injectablehydrogelsforcartilagetissueengineeringkeydesignneedstowardclinicalapplications
AT marcelkarperien injectablehydrogelsforcartilagetissueengineeringkeydesignneedstowardclinicalapplications