Injectable hydrogel with Controlled Swelling Behavior in vivo

Abstract

Hydrogels tend to swell in water. Thus, when a hydrogel is fabricated in the body, the gel is expected to swell. The swelling of the gel is required to be controlled, because it causes a change in shape, compression of surrounding tissue, and a decrease in mechanical properties. This review outlines hydrogels with controlled swelling behavior designed on the basis of Tetra-PEG gel, which is formed by the interconnection of two 4-functional polymers. The hydrogels are useful as biomaterials, and their application is expected in the near future.