Adhesive hydrogels represent a burgeoning field within biomaterials science, offering promising solutions for tissue repair and regenerative medicine. These hydrogels are distinguished by their ability to adhere robustly to biological surfaces, acting as scaffolds that support tissue regeneration and cellular growth. Unlike traditional biomaterials, adhesive hydrogels mimic the native tissue microenvironment more closely, enhancing cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. This has positioned them as pivotal tools in tissue engineering and wound healing. Recent studies have demonstrated their potential across various applications, including skin, nerve, and cartilage repair. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in optimizing their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and adhesive properties. Current research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of hydrogel-tissue interactions and improving their design and synthesis. However, there is still a need for comprehensive studies that address the integration of these materials in clinical settings, their long-term efficacy, and the regulatory pathways for their use.
This research topic aims to explore the latest advancements in adhesive hydrogels, particularly their application in tissue repair. The primary objectives include investigating innovative design and synthesis strategies, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of adhesion, and examining the biological interactions and integration of hydrogels with tissues. Additionally, the research will focus on the potential of these hydrogels as platforms for drug delivery and their therapeutic applications in wound healing, nerve regeneration, and cartilage repair. By addressing these areas, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of hydrogel-tissue interfaces and their clinical and translational potential.
To gather further insights in the field of adhesive hydrogels for tissue repair, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative design and synthesis of hydrogel formulations to enhance adhesive properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
- Molecular mechanisms governing hydrogel-tissue interactions and diverse adhesion strategies.
- Hydrogel-mediated cellular responses, including cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, immune modulation, and pro-regenerative cues.
- Use of adhesive hydrogels as platforms for targeted and sustained drug delivery, focusing on wound healing, nerve regeneration, and cartilage repair.
- Clinical and translational studies evaluating safety, efficacy, and outcomes, alongside considerations for scalability, manufacturing, and regulatory pathways.
Keywords: Tissue regeneration, adhesiveness, hydrogel technology, bioactive materials, cell adhesion
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
