Injectable Functionalized Hydrogel and its Stomatological and Ophthalmological Application

Injectable hydrogels have emerged as a transformative biomaterial platform due to their tunable physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and minimally invasive delivery. Functionalized hydrogels, engineered with bioactive molecules (e.g., growth factors, antimicrobials) or dynamic responsiveness (e.g., pH- or temperature-sensitivity), offer precise control over tissue regeneration and drug release. In oral tissue repair, they address challenges such as periodontal defects and mucositis by mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoting cell adhesion. For ocular applications, their transparency and viscoelasticity make them ideal for corneal regeneration, dry eye therapy, or intravitreal drug delivery. Recent advances in polymer chemistry (e.g., hybrid networks, 3D bioprinting) and crosslinking strategies (e.g., photo-polymerization, enzyme-triggered) have expanded their potential.

Despite progress, key limitations persist. For example, in oral tissue, poor mechanical stability under salivary flow and risks of microbial colonization are still limitations. In the field of ocular tissue, limited long-term retention on dynamic ocular surfaces and inadequate nutrient diffusion are the key challenges. Functionalization of hydrogels can be a breakthrough, through multifunctional design, smart responsiveness, and delivery optimization. For instance, incorporating antimicrobial peptides into oral hydrogels, or mucoadhesive polymers (e.g., hyaluronic acid derivatives) for ocular use; developing dual-crosslinked networks (e.g., covalent/dynamic bonds) to enhance mechanical resilience; leveraging nanoparticle-hydrogel composites for sustained release (e.g., VEGF inhibitors in diabetic retinopathy); and integrating specific bioprinting or in situ gelling systems for minimally invasive procedures. Recent breakthroughs include electroconductive hydrogels for neural integration in oral wounds and shear-thinning hydrogels for intravitreal injections. Collaborative efforts bridging material science, biology, and clinical expertise are critical to advance these innovations.

This proposal invites contributions from researchers across diverse disciplines, including materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical medicine. Potential authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address the following themes:
•Innovative Hydrogel Formulations: the development of functionalized injectable hydrogels hinges on innovative material design strategies to achieve tailored physicochemical and biological properties. Such innovation may involve various aspects, for example, polymer innovation, bioactive integration, dynamic responsiveness, nanocomposite engineering, and so on.
•Mechanisms of Action: research elucidating the biological mechanisms by which hydrogels promote cell behavior, including adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
•Applications in Tissue Engineering: exploration of specific applications of hydrogels in regenerating various tissues such as cartilage, bone, skin, and nerve.
•Clinical Translation: insights into the challenges and strategies for translating hydrogel-based therapies from laboratory settings to preclinical practice.
•Advanced Characterization Techniques: reports on innovative methods for characterizing hydrogel properties and their interactions with biological systems.