Ethan Williams*
Received: 01-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. dd-25-171110; Editor Assigned: 04-Jun-2025, Pre QC No. dd-25- 171110; Reviewed: 15-Jun-2025, QC No. dd-25-171110; Revised: 20-Jun- 2025, Manuscript No. dd-25-171110; Published: 29-Jun-2025, DOI:10.4172/resrevdrugdeliv.9.2.004
Citation: Ethan Williams, Hydrogels: Versatile Platforms in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering. Res Rev Drug Deliv. 2025;9.005.
Copyright: © 2025 Ethan Williams, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original Author and sources are credited.
Visit for more related articles at Research & Reviews: Drug Delivery
Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of water while maintaining structural integrity. Their unique physicochemical properties—high water content, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical strength—make them ideal for biomedical applications. In drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, and regenerative medicine, hydrogels serve as versatile carriers for therapeutic agents, providing controlled release, localized delivery, and protection of sensitive molecules. Their adaptability and ease of modification have made hydrogels one of the most promising materials in modern pharmaceutical and medical research [1].
Hydrogels can be classified based on their origin, composition, or crosslinking method. Natural hydrogels, derived from polymers like alginate, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, offer excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them suitable for clinical applications. Synthetic hydrogels, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), allow precise control over mechanical strength, degradation rate, and swelling behavior. Hybrid hydrogels combine natural and synthetic polymers, leveraging the advantages of both to optimize functionality [2].
In drug delivery, hydrogels provide several key benefits. Their porous structure allows for the encapsulation of small molecules, proteins, peptides, and even nucleic acids. Hydrogels can be engineered for controlled and sustained release, ensuring therapeutic drugs maintain effective concentrations over extended periods. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, also known as “smart hydrogels,” can release drugs in response to environmental cues such as pH, temperature, enzymes, or glucose levels. For example, insulin-loaded hydrogels responsive to glucose concentrations can provide regulated insulin release, improving diabetes management [3].
Hydrogels also play a vital role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They act as scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix, supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Injectable hydrogels enable minimally invasive administration, filling irregular tissue defects and promoting tissue regeneration in areas like cartilage, bone, and cardiac tissue. Moreover, hydrogels can be combined with nanoparticles, growth factors, or stem cells to enhance regenerative outcomes [4].
Another important application is in wound healing, where hydrogel dressings maintain a moist environment, promote tissue repair, and protect against microbial infection. Hydrogels can be loaded with antimicrobial agents, growth factors, or anti-inflammatory drugs to accelerate healing and prevent complications [5].
Hydrogels represent a versatile and powerful class of biomaterials with wide-ranging applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Their high water content, tunable properties, and biocompatibility make them ideal carriers for controlled and localized therapeutic interventions. Advances in stimuli-responsive and hybrid hydrogels are expanding their potential, enabling more personalized and effective treatments. While challenges such as mechanical stability, degradation control, and large-scale production remain, continued research and innovation promise to solidify hydrogels as indispensable tools in modern medicine, offering safer, more efficient, and highly adaptable solutions for a variety of clinical needs [6].
Menu