Applicability of Hydrogels as Platforms for Bone Regeneration: A Mini‐Review

ABSTRACT Bone regeneration remains a significant clinical challenge due to the complex structure of bone tissue and its limited healing capacity under pathological conditions. Hydrogels have emerged as promising platforms for bone tissue engineering (BTE), offering high water content, tunable porosity, and the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). This mini‐review highlights recent advances in the development of hydrogel systems for bone regeneration, focusing on natural (chitosan, gelatin, alginate), synthetic (polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol), and hybrid polymeric matrices. In addition, it examines the incorporation of bioactive particles—particularly hydroxyapatite, metal oxides, and metallic nanoparticles—which improve osteoinduction, mechanical performance, and antimicrobial activity. A literature survey was conducted (2015–2025) to identify the most frequently used materials and strategies, emphasizing their biological outcomes in in vitro and in vivo studies. The results reveal that natural polymers dominate current research efforts, often combined with osteogenic nanoparticles to overcome limitations in cell adhesion and mechanical strength. The combination of structural versatility and functionalization potential positions hydrogels as a powerful class of biomaterials for the repair of complex bone defects. Future directions include improving immune compatibility, standardizing in vivo models, and developing multifunctional systems tailored for clinical translation.