Latest Advances in Cryogel Technology for Biomedical Applications

There exists a technological need for advanced materials with improved properties for emerging biomedical applications. Recent developments in macroporous materials have demonstrated their applicability as indispensable tools in biomedical research. Cryogels, which are materials with a macroporous 3...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced therapeutics 2019-04, Vol.2 (4), p.n/a
Main Authors: Memic, Adnan, Colombani, Thibault, Eggermont, Loek J., Rezaeeyazdi, Mahboobeh, Steingold, Joseph, Rogers, Zach J., Navare, Kasturi Joshi, Mohammed, Halimatu S., Bencherif, Sidi A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
biomaterials
bioseparation
cryogels
immunotherapy
tissue engineering
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Summary:There exists a technological need for advanced materials with improved properties for emerging biomedical applications. Recent developments in macroporous materials have demonstrated their applicability as indispensable tools in biomedical research. Cryogels, which are materials with a macroporous 3D structure, are produced as a result of controlled freezing during polymerization with a highly interconnected polymer network. Cryogels’ interest lies in their ability to address some of the limitations of their hydrogel analogues. In this review, hydrogel and cryogel basic concepts are discussed as a short primer for readers unfamiliar with the cryogels literature. Next, a general overview of the methods for synthesis and characterization of cryogels is provided, highlighting key concepts relevant to cryogels and explaining their unique properties. Finally an in‐depth overview of specific technologies and fields where cryogels have been applied is given. It is argued that the latest advances in cryogel technologies are able to address challenges in bioseparation, tissue engineering, and other emerging bioengineering disciplines. The versatility of cryogel materials for biomedical applications is presented. This unique class of polymeric hydrogels possesses a sponge‐like morphology combined with remarkable and tunable physicochemical properties. An extensive literature overview on the latest applications of cryogels, including bioseparation, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and more recently, immunotherapy, is presented. Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
ISSN:2366-3987
2366-3987
DOI:10.1002/adtp.201800114