Shape memory hydrogels in tissue engineering: Recent advances and challenges

Shape memory hydrogels (SMHs) have emerged as transformative materials in tissue engineering, owing to their unique ability to recover their original shape after deformation. These hydrogels combine hydrophilicity and elasticity with shape memory capabilities, making them ideal candidates for various biomedical applications. This review examines their innovative design and synthesis, highlighting the physical and biological characteristics that make them well-suited for tissue engineering, such as mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. SMHs have diverse applications in tissue engineering, including bone regeneration, soft tissue reconstruction, and the engineering of vascular and neural tissues. Additionally, they are utilized in smart drug delivery systems and the fabrication of 3D-printed customized implants. Despite these advancements, challenges such as production scalability, optimization of mechanical properties, shape recovery and fixation, controlled degradation, and long-term stability persist. Interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for overcoming these challenges and enhancing their clinical potential. In conclusion, SMHs offer innovative solutions to complex biomedical problems, making them valuable tools for advancing regenerative medicine and improving patient outcomes.