Advanced Biomimetic Materials in the Prevention of Tendon Adhesions: Design, Preparation, and Application of Hydrogel and Electrospun fiber Membranes

Tendon adhesion formation results from a fibrotic process between the tendon and surrounding tissues, typically occurring after tendon injury or surgery. This condition significantly impacts the quality of life and motor function. Currently, treating adhesions following the repair of injured tendons remains challenging and is a prominent clinical issue that needs to be addressed. This review compiles the existing pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tendon adhesion formation, with a particular focus on the critical roles of inflammation and inflammatory pathways, growth factors and their associated pathways, as well as peritendinous cellular behaviors in promoting adhesion formation. Furthermore, this paper is dedicated to summarizing the evaluation of hydrogels and electrospun fiber membranes as anti-adhesion materials, emphasizing their design, preparation, and application. Additionally, the success of composite patches created by combining these two materials in preventing tendon adhesions is reviewed, which demonstrates the broad applicability of the hydrogel and electrospun film combination. Finally, the review provides insights into future directions for preventing tendon adhesion formation, focusing on material structure and functional design.