Current state of knowledge on intelligent-response biological and other macromolecular hydrogels in biomedical engineering: A review

Abstract

Because intelligent hydrogels have good biocompatibility, a rapid response, and good degradability as well as a stimulus response mode that is rich, hydrophilic, and similar to the softness and elasticity of living tissue, they have received widespread attention and are widely used in biomedical engineering. In this article, we conduct a systematic review of the use of smart hydrogels in biomedical engineering. First, we introduce the properties and applications of hydrogels and compare the similarities and differences between traditional hydrogels and smart hydrogels. Secondly, we summarize the intelligent hydrogel types, the mechanisms of action used by different hydrogels, and the materials for preparing different types of hydrogels, such as the materials for the preparation of temperature-responsive hydrogels, which mainly include gelatin, carrageenan, agarose, amylose, etc.; summarize the morphologies of different hydrogels, such as films, fibers and microspheres; and summarize the application of smart hydrogels in biomedical engineering, such as for the delivery of proteins, antibiotics, deoxyribonucleic acid, etc. Finally, we summarize the shortcomings of current research and present future prospects for smart hydrogels. The purpose of this paper is to provide researchers engaged in related fields with a systematic review of the application of intelligent hydrogels in biomedical engineering. We hope that they will get some inspiration from this work to provide new directions for the development of related fields.