Hydrogels as delivery systems for spinal cord injury regeneration

Spinal cord injuries can significantly impact a patient's lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Biomaterials, especially hydrogels, offer a promising approach to promote regeneration after such injuries because of their structural similarities to the natural environment around cells. Hydrogels support the growth of nerve fibers and can deliver therapeutic agents directly to the injury site. Important characteristics like how they flow (rheology), their pore size, swelling behavior, breakdown rate, and surface charge all affect their effectiveness. The goal of hydrogel delivery systems is to release therapeutic agents in a controlled manner over an extended period, specifically at the injury location. This targeted approach aims to maximize the effect of the therapeutic agent being used.

• 1
  Hydrogels can be derived from natural or synthetic sources, each offering distinct advantages. Natural sources provide biocompatibility and biodegradability, while synthetic sources offer high water absorption and a wider range of chemical properties.
• 2
  Mechanical properties, such as stiffness and viscosity, play a crucial role in hydrogel performance. Hydrogels must be stiff enough to maintain their structure but soft enough to allow cell growth, adhesion, and differentiation.
• 3
  Controlling the degradation rate of hydrogels is essential for molecular release and tissue regeneration. Modulating degradation through crosslinking with specific sequences allows for controlled release of therapeutic agents.