Mucus-Inspired Dynamic Hydrogels: Synthesis and Future Perspectives

Mucus hydrogels at biointerfaces are crucial for protecting against foreign pathogens and for the biological functions of the underlying cells. Since mucus can bind to and host both viruses and bacteria, establishing a synthetic model system that can emulate the properties and functions of native mucus and can be synthesized at large scale would revolutionize the mucus-related research that is essential for understanding the pathways of many infectious diseases. The synthesis of such biofunctional hydrogels in the laboratory is highly challenging, owing to their complex chemical compositions and the specific chemical interactions that occur throughout the gel network. In this perspective, we discuss the basic chemical structures and diverse physicochemical interactions responsible for the unique properties and functions of mucus hydrogels. We scrutinize the different approaches for preparing mucus-inspired hydrogels, with specific examples. We also discuss recent research and what it reveals about the challenges that must be addressed and the opportunities to be considered to achieve desirable de novo synthetic mucus hydrogels.

Automated summary

Mucus hydrogels at biointerfaces play a crucial role in protecting against foreign pathogens and facilitating biological functions of underlying cells. Developing a synthetic model system that mimics the properties and functions of native mucus and can be synthesized on a large scale would greatly advance mucus-related research for understanding infectious diseases. However, synthesizing such biofunctional hydrogels in the lab is highly challenging due to their complex chemical compositions and specific chemical interactions within the gel network. This perspective discusses the chemical structures and physicochemical interactions responsible for the unique properties and functions of mucus hydrogels, explores different approaches for preparing mucus-inspired hydrogels, and highlights the challenges and opportunities in achieving desired de novo synthetic mucus hydrogels.