Advancements in hydrogel applications for osteoarthritis therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Conventional interventions, including pharmacological and surgical approaches, have demonstrated numerous limitations and are inadequate for cartilage regeneration. Recently, hydrogels, as biomaterials characterized by a distinctive three-dimensional network structure, superior biocompatibility, and adjustable mechanical properties, have shown promising potential in OA therapy. In January 2025, a literature review was performed on hydrogel research published between January 2020 and January 2025, utilizing PubMed and Web of Science databases. Due to the foundational and representative nature of the experimental methodologies, two seminal original research articles from 2017 and 2019 were explicitly cited. This article reviews the latest advancements in hydrogel-based OA treatments, focusing on innovative therapeutic strategies such as lubrication enhancement, anti-inflammatory effects, microenvironmental response activation, mesenchymal stem cells and their exosome derivatives, as well as piezoelectric smart hydrogels, with particular emphasis on their application in OA management. Finally, we summarize the clinical research and development of hydrogel products from 2015 to 2025. Despite challenges in OA treatment, such as precise drug delivery and mechanical durability, the potential of hydrogels in personalized medicine and improving therapeutic outcomes positions them as a pivotal direction for future OA therapies.