Applications of hydrogels for neural cell engineering

Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, are currently being investigated for use in a variety of tissue-engineering applications. Hydrogel materials generally exhibit a number of properties including permeability to oxygen and nutrients, which make these materials attractive for use in biological applications. However, in order for such polymers to be successfully integrated into biological systems, these constructs must be engineered so as to mimic native biological interfaces. In this paper we discuss the use of acrylate-based polymers and their derivatives, for use in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, cell encapsulation, and as templates for directed cell growth, attachment and proliferation.