Application of nanostructure-loaded hydrogels for cancer treatment and tissue regeneration

Tumor surgery poses significant challenges, including the presence of residual tumors, bacterial infections, and tissue defects, which contribute to high rates of tumor recurrence, low survival rates, and impaired wound healing. To address these issues, hydrogels, three-dimensional network structures formed through the crosslinking of natural or synthetic macromolecules, have emerged as promising solutions. By leveraging nanostructure-loaded hydrogels, different therapeutic modalities can be integrated into a single platform and significantly enhance antitumor effects and inhibit postoperative tumor metastasis and recurrence through synergistic therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, by incorporating therapeutic drugs and bioactive matrices, these nanostructure-loaded hydrogels can provide long-lasting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects while also facilitating the regeneration of bones, skin, and adipose tissue. This comprehensive review aims to explore the design strategies, latest advancements in research, and therapeutic applications of nanostructure-loaded hydrogels in the integrated fields of antitumor therapy and tissue regeneration, including their use in photothermal/photodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, enhanced radiotherapy, and magnetic hyperthermia, as well as the synergistic therapeutic applications of the above methods. Finally, the challenges and potential solutions of nanostructure-loaded hydrogels in clinical therapy are also proposed.