Inputs of Macromolecular Engineering in the Design of Injectable Hydrogels Based on Synthetic Thermoresponsive Polymers

Abstract

Injectable hydrogels have received high attention over the last decades in drug delivery and tissue engineering as they allow minimal invasive procedures. Among them, thermoresponsive-polymer-based hydrogels are considered of high interest owing to their simple, mild, and reproducible preparation conditions, relying only on self-reorganization upon heating. Recent advances in controlled/living polymerization techniques and chemical conjugation now offer tremendous opportunities for achieving precise engineering and control over such hydrogel properties. In this perspective, we aim at highlighting their recent inputs in the design of thermoresponsive architectures and how they can address key prerequisites of gelation behavior, degradation, biofunctionalization, and controlled drug delivery.