Multifunctional Integrated Hydrogels for Tissue Regeneration and Repair.

Abstract

Multifunctional integrated hydrogels have emerged as advanced biomaterials that integrate diverse functional properties, including bioactivity, mechanical adaptability, controlled drug release, and electrical/magnetic responsiveness, exhibiting substantial potential in tissue regeneration and repair. These hydrogels provide a versatile platform to mimic the complex microenvironment of native tissues, thereby facilitating cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue remodeling. Despite rapid progress in their design and development, optimizing performance for specific tissues (e.g., bone, cartilage, skin, nerve, myocardium) remains challenging. Current research focuses on innovative design strategies and the incorporation of key functional modules to tailor hydrogels for targeted regenerative applications. Moreover, translating these materials from bench to bedside requires overcoming barriers related to biocompatibility, scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term functional stability. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in multifunctional integrated hydrogels, highlights their applications across different tissue regeneration scenarios, and critically evaluates translational challenges. By synthesizing cutting-edge findings, this work aims to guide the development of next-generation smart tissue engineering scaffolds and accelerate their clinical adoption, ultimately advancing regenerative medicine.