Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Book Chapter

“Smart” Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Applications

Abstract

“Smart” hydrogels, also variously referred as “intelligent”, “stimuli-responsive”, “stimuli-sensitive” or “environmentally-sensitive” hydrogels, are three-dimensional hydrophilic network structures of polymer chains that are able to change their properties in response to environmental stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic and electric fields, and ionic strength or enzymatic environment. Systems with multiple responsive properties have also been developed combining two or more stimulus. Rapid and significant responses to changes to external stimuli are critical for the versatility of such “smart” hydrogels. These stimuli-responsive hydrogels are potentially beneficial for a diverse range of applications because the properties can be changed by the stimulus at the desired point and time. Herein, it is overviewed the most recent and relevant reports dealing with the development, applications and processing of “smart” hydrogels, mainly in the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Journal
Handbook of Intelligent Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine, 2nd Edition
Pagination
334-367
Publisher
Pan Stanford Publishing
ISBN
9789814745123
Keywords
Biological/Biochemical Responsive, Chemical Responsive, Hydrogels, Physical Responsive
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
Year of Publication
2017
Date Published
2017-05-02
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