Metal Ion-Containing Hydrogels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications in Bone Tissue Engineering

Hydrogel, as a unique scaffold material, features a three-dimensional network system that provides conducive conditions for the growth of cells and tissues in bone tissue engineering (BTE). In recent years, it has been discovered that metal ion-containing hybridized hydrogels, synthesized with metal particles as the foundation, exhibit excellent physicochemical properties, osteoinductivity, and osteogenic potential. They offer a wide range of research prospects in the field of BTE. This review provides an overview of the current state and recent advancements in research concerning metal ion-containing hydrogels in the field of BTE. Within materials science, it covers topics such as the binding mechanisms of metal ions within hydrogel networks, the types and fabrication methods of various metal ion-containing hydrogels, and the influence of metal ions on the properties of hydrogels. In the context of BTE, the review delves into the osteogenic mechanisms of various metal ions, the applications of metal ion-containing hydrogels in BTE, and relevant experimental studies in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, future improvements in bone repair can be anticipated through advancements in bone bionics, exploring interactions between metal ions and the development of a wider range of metal ions and hydrogel types.