Natural-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications

last updated: 2020-12-14
ProjectMagTendon :: publications list
TitleNatural-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Publication TypeReview Paper
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsGómez-Florit M., Pardo A., Domingues R. M. A., Graça A. L., Babo P. S., Reis R. L., and Gomes M. E.
Abstract Text

In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, hydrogels are used as biomaterials to support cell attachment and promote tissue regeneration due to their unique biomimetic characteristics. The use of natural-origin materials significantly influenced the origin and progress of the field due to their ability to mimic the native tissues’ extracellular matrix and biocompatibility. However, the majority of these natural materials failed to provide satisfactory cues to guide cell differentiation toward the formation of new tissues. In addition, the integration of technological advances, such as 3D printing, microfluidics and nanotechnology, in tissue engineering has obsoleted the first generation of natural-origin hydrogels. During the last decade, a new generation of hydrogels has emerged to meet the specific tissue necessities, to be used with state-of-the-art techniques and to capitalize the intrinsic characteristics of natural-based materials. In this review, we briefly examine important hydrogel crosslinking mechanisms. Then, the latest developments in engineering natural-based hydrogels are investigated and major applications in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are highlighted. Finally, the current limitations, future challenges and opportunities in this field are discussed to encourage realistic developments for the clinical translation of tissue engineering strategies.

JournalMolecules
Volume25
Issue24
Pagination5858
Date Published2020-12-11
PublisherMDPI
ISSN1420-3049
DOI10.3390/molecules25245858
URLhttps://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/24/5858
KeywordsAnisotropy, Biomimetic, Blood derivatives, decellularized tissue, DNA, Extracellular matrix, Glycosaminoglycans, Nanoparticles, proteins, supramolecular crosslinking
RightsopenAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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