Abstract
Challenges in organ transplantation such as high organ demand and biocompatibility issues have led scientists in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to work on the use of scaffolds as an alternative to transplantation. Among different types of scaffolds, polymeric hydrogel scaffolds have received considerable attention because of their biocompatibility and structural similarity to native tissues. However, hydrogel scaffolds have several limitations, such as weak mechanical property and a lack of bioactive property. On the other hand, noble metal particles, particularly gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), can be incorporated into the hydrogel matrix to form NP–hydrogel composite scaffolds with enhanced physical and biological properties. This review aims to highlight the potential of these hybrid materials in tissue engineering applications. Additionally, the main approaches that have been used for the synthesis of NP–hydrogel composites and the possible limitations and challenges associated with the application of these materials are discussed.
Highlights
The application of hydrogel incorporated with metal nanoparticles (NPs) has become a new emerging research area in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
The treatments are risky, because autografts can lead to donor-site morbidity due to infection and hematoma, whereas allografts might be rejected by the host immune system [1]
There are a few main approaches that have been adopted for the preparation of NP–hydrogel composites
Summary
The application of hydrogel incorporated with metal nanoparticles (NPs) has become a new emerging research area in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Injury, and trauma often resulted in tissue damage and degeneration. Replacement, or regeneration, the treatment normally involves the transplantation of tissue from the same patient (autograft) or another individual (allograft). The treatments are risky, because autografts can lead to donor-site morbidity due to infection and hematoma, whereas allografts might be rejected by the host immune system [1]. There is a huge gap between the supply and demand for organs. As of December 2018, there are about 110,000 patients waiting for lifesaving organ transplants in the United States, while there are only about 16,000 donors available in 2018 [2]
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