Translating Therapeutic Microgels into Clinical Applications

Microgels are crosslinked, water-swollen networks with a 10 nm to 100 mu m diameter and can be modified chemically or biologically to render them biocompatible for advanced clinical applications. Depending on their intended use, microgels require different mechanical and structural properties, which can be engineered on demand by altering the biochemical composition, crosslink density of the polymer network, and the fabrication method. Here, the fundamental aspects of microgel research and development, as well as their specific applications for theranostics and therapy in the clinic, are discussed. A detailed overview of microgel fabrication techniques with regards to their intended clinical application is presented, while focusing on how microgels can be employed as local drug delivery materials, scavengers, and contrast agents. Moreover, microgels can act as scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration application. Finally, an overview of microgels is given, which already made it into pre-clinical and clinical trials, while future challenges and chances are discussed. This review presents an instructive guideline for chemists, material scientists, and researchers in the biomedical field to introduce them to the fundamental physicochemical properties of microgels and guide them from fabrication methods via characterization techniques and functionalization of microgels toward specific applications in the clinic.

Automated summary

This article discusses the research and development of microgels and their specific applications in the clinic, including as local drug delivery materials, scavengers, contrast agents, and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration. The article also provides an overview of microgels that have already undergone pre-clinical and clinical trials, and discusses future challenges and opportunities.