"The use of hydrogel scaffolds in tissue engineering and novel drug delivery systems"

Abstract

Hydrogels belong to the class of polymeric materials and their main feature is their ability to absorb large amounts of H2O (or other fluids) while maintaining their shape and structural integrity. They show excellent biocompatibility and their extracellular matrix (ECM) simulation is great. Their sources of origin may be either natural or artificial, and many of their features are improved if combined with other materials.

These polymeric materials find application in many areas of everyday life including fields such as cosmetology, hygiene and household products, as well as in more specialized fields such as Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, Pharmacy and a variety of other biomedical applications. Their use as scaffolds (as well as cell transport vehicles and molecules of biological interest) in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is one of the reasons why their development and evolution over the last few decades is truly impressive. On the other hand, their use in sophisticated and innovative drug delivery systems leaves many promises regarding the controlled and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents necessary for the treatment and management of many diseases that affect humans.

KAGIAS Vasilios