Thermosensitive hydrogels for tissue engineering

Thermosensitive hydrogels consist of elastic networks whose interstitial space can take up as much as 90 % (w/w) water. These hydrogels undergo reversible sol-gel transitions upon exposure to physiological temperature and possess mechanical properties that resemble those of living tissues. The ideal hydrogel for successful tissue regeneration should display the following characteristics: (1) an extensive three-dimensional network that allows cell migration and attachment, and diffusion of physiological fluids; (2) biocompatibility, providing an environment suitable for cell proliferation and differentiation, and lacking residual chemical reagent contamination; and (3) appropriate mechanical properties and a capacity for biodegradation that is compatible with the target tissue. Thermosensitive hydrogels that meet these criteria could act as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and serve as cell culture scaffolds, guaranteeing the successful regeneration of tissue. In this article, we focused mainly on natural and synthetic polymer-based thermosensitive hydrogels and their tissue engineering applications.