Conductive Hydrogels with Dynamic Reversible Networks for Biomedical Applications

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Conductive hydrogels (CHs) are emerging as a promising and well-utilized platform for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering to incorporate electron signals as biorelevant physical cues. In conventional covalently crosslinked conductive hydrogels, the network dynamics (e.g., stress relaxation, shear shining, and self-healing) required for complex cellular functions and many biomedical utilities (e.g., injection) cannot be easily realized. In contrast, dynamic conductive hydrogels (DCHs) are fabricated by dynamic and reversible crosslinks. By allowing for the breaking and reforming of the reversible linkages, DCHs can provide dynamic environments for cellular functions while maintaining matrix integrity. These dynamic materials can mimic some properties of native tissues, making them well-suited for several biotechnological and medical applications. An overview of the design, synthesis, and engineering of DCHs is presented in this review, focusing on the different dynamic crosslinking mechanisms of DCHs and their biomedical applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2100012
JournalAdvanced healthcare materials
Volume10
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jun 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85105223195
ORCID /0000-0002-6669-4995/work/142251832
PubMed 33930246

Keywords