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A review of gradient stiffness hydrogels used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Author(s) -
Xia Tingting,
Liu Wanqian,
Yang Li
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.36034
Subject(s) - self healing hydrogels , stiffness , materials science , regenerative medicine , tissue engineering , biomedical engineering , extracellular matrix , nanotechnology , composite material , cell , engineering , polymer chemistry , chemistry , biochemistry
Abstract Substrate stiffness is known to impact characteristics including cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Hydrogels are polymeric materials distinguished by high water content and diverse physical properties. Gradient stiffness hydrogels are designed by the need to develop biologically friendly materials as extracellular matrix (ECM) alternatives to replace the separated and narrow‐ranged hydrogel substrates. Important new discoveries in cell behaviors have been realized with model gradient stiffness hydrogel systems from the two‐dimensional (2D) to three‐dimensional (3D) scale. Basic and clinical applications for gradient stiffness hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine continue to drive the development of stiffness and structure varied hydrogels. Given the importance of gradient stiffness hydrogels in basic research and biomedical applications, there is a clear need for systems for gradient stiffness hydrogel design strategies and their applications. This review will highlight past work in the field of gradient stiffness hydrogels fabrication methods, mechanical property test, applications as well as areas for future study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1799–1812, 2017.