Including fluorescent nanoparticle probes within injectable gels for remote strain measurements and discrimination between compression and tension

Remote measurement of the deformation ratio and discrimination between tension and compression for injectable gels is demonstrated using photoluminescence and two types of fluorescent probe particles.

Injectable Hydrogels: A Review of Injectability Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels have been used for biomedical applications in recent decades. They are a perfect candidate for regenerative medicine as they resemble the extracellular matrix of native tissues. In addition, their highly hydrated structure makes them a suitable choice for drug and other therapeutics delivery. Injectable hydrogels have increasingly gained attention due to their capability for homogeneous mixing with cells and therapeutic agents, minimally invasive administration, and perfect defect filling. In this review, we discuss various mechanisms which facilitate injectability of hydrogels, including in situ gelling liquids, injectable gels, and injectable particles. Then, we explore the biomedical applications of injectable hydrogels, including tissue engineering, therapeutic agent delivery, and medical devices.

Nanocomposite injectable gels capable of self-replenishing regenerative extracellular microenvironments for in vivo tissue engineering

Nanocomposite injectable gels, which self-replenish regenerative extracellular microenvironments within the gels in the body by utilizing host-derived bioactive molecules as building blocks, are reported.

Crosslinking method of hyaluronic-based hydrogel for biomedical applications

In the field of tissue engineering, there is a need for advancement beyond conventional scaffolds and preformed hydrogels. Injectable hydrogels have gained wider admiration among researchers as they can be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Injectable gels completely fill the defect area and have good permeability and hence are promising biomaterials. The technique can be effectively applied to deliver a wide range of bioactive agents, such as drugs, proteins, growth factors, and even living cells. Hyaluronic acid is a promising candidate for the tissue engineering field because of its unique physicochemical and biological properties. Thus, this review provides an overview of various methods of chemical and physical crosslinking using different linkers that have been investigated to develop the mechanical properties, biodegradation, and biocompatibility of hyaluronic acid as an injectable hydrogel in cell scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and wound healing applications.