Injectable In Situ-Forming Hydrogels for Protein and Peptide Delivery

Abstract

Injectable in situ-forming hydrogels have been used clinically in diverse biomedical applications. These hydrogels have distinct advantages such as easy management and minimal invasiveness. The hydrogels are aqueous formulations, and a simple injection at the target site replaces a traditional surgical procedure. Here, we review injectable in situ-forming hydrogels that are formulated by physical and chemical methods to deliver proteins and peptides. Prospects for using in situ-forming hydrogels for several specific applications are also discussed.