Bone/cartilage targeted hydrogel: Strategies and applications

Abstract

The skeletal system is responsible for weight-bearing, organ protection, and movement. Bone diseases caused by trauma, infection, and aging can seriously affect a patient's quality of life. Bone targeted biomaterials are suitable for the treatment of bone diseases. Biomaterials with bone-targeted properties can improve drug utilization and reduce side effects. A large number of bone-targeted micro-nano materials have been developed. However, only a few studies addressed bone-targeted hydrogel. The large size of hydrogel makes it difficult to achieve systematic targeting. However, local targeted hydrogel still has significant prospects. Molecules in bone/cartilage extracellular matrix and bone cells provide binding sites for bone-targeted hydrogel. Drug delivery systems featuring microgels with targeting properties is a key construction strategy for bone-targeted hydrogel. Besides, injectable hydrogel drug depot carrying bone-targeted drugs is another strategy. In this review, we summarize the bone-targeted hydrogel through application environment, construction strategies and disease applications. We hope this article will provide a reference for the development of bone-targeted hydrogels. We also hope this article could increase awareness of bone-targeted materials.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Introducing the microenvironment and target molecules in different parts of long bones.

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  Summarizing the construction strategy of micro/nanoparticle hydrogel with bone targeting properties.

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  Summarizing the construction strategy of hydrogel based depot carrying bone-targeted drugs.

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  Reporting the application and effect of bone targeting hydrogel in common bone diseases.