Energy‐Dissipative Hydrogels: A Promising Material for Tissue Regeneration†

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryHydrogels are promising candidates for mimicking native extracellular matrix (ECM) and are therefore widely adopted as scaffolds in tissue engineering. However, conventional hydrogels composed of static networks are prone to permanent structural damages and lack the ability to provide the time‐dependent mechanical cues, which are essential for cell development, ECM remodeling, and tissue regeneration. The recent substantial development in the structurally dynamic hydrogels with energy‐dissipative ability has demonstrated the unique capability of such viscoelastic hydrogels to withstand extreme biomechanical loads and regulate cellular behaviors not present in classical hydrogels. This review starts with the general design principles for energy‐dissipative hydrogels, followed by recent advancements in fabrication approaches for energy‐dissipative hydrogels. We then highlight some applications of energy‐dissipative hydrogels in tissue engineering, including bone and cartilage regeneration, vessel regeneration, nerve regeneration, and wound healing. Finally, we discuss about the key current challenges and future development of energy‐dissipative hydrogels for biomedical applications.