New Insights of Scaffolds Based on Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering

In recent years, biomaterials development and characterization for new applications in regenerative medicine or controlled release represent one of the biggest challenges. Tissue engineering is one of the most intensively studied domain where hydrogels are considered optimum applications in the biomedical field. The delicate nature of hydrogels and their low mechanical strength limit their exploitation in tissue engineering. Hence, developing new, stronger, and more stable hydrogels with increased biocompatibility, is essential. However, both natural and synthetic polymers possess many limitations. Hydrogels based on natural polymers offer particularly high biocompatibility and biodegradability, low immunogenicity, excellent cytocompatibility, variable, and controllable solubility. At the same time, they have poor mechanical properties, high production costs, and low reproducibility. Synthetic polymers come to their aid through superior mechanical strength, high reproducibility, reduced costs, and the ability to regulate their composition to improve processes such as hydrolysis or biodegradation over variable periods. The development of hydrogels based on mixtures of synthetic and natural polymers can lead to the optimization of their properties to obtain ideal scaffolds. Also, incorporating different nanoparticles can improve the hydrogel's stability and obtain several biological effects. In this regard, essential oils and drug molecules facilitate the desired biological effect or even produce a synergistic effect. This study's main purpose is to establish the main properties needed to develop sustainable polymeric scaffolds. These scaffolds can be applied in tissue engineering to improve the tissue regeneration process without producing other side effects to the environment.

Automated summary

In recent years, the development and characterization of biomaterials for regenerative medicine and controlled release have posed significant challenges. Hydrogels are considered optimal applications in the biomedical field, particularly in tissue engineering. However, their delicate nature and low mechanical strength limit their use. Therefore, developing stronger and more stable hydrogels with increased biocompatibility is essential. Natural and synthetic polymers both have limitations, but the development of hydrogels based on mixtures of these materials can optimize their properties. Incorporating different nanoparticles can improve stability and yield various biological effects. Essential oils and drug molecules can facilitate desired biological effects and even produce a synergistic effect. The main purpose of this study is to identify the key properties required to develop sustainable polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering without adverse environmental effects.