Beyond static scaffolds: glucose-responsive hydrogels as dynamic intelligent platform for tissue engineering

Abstract

As a core field of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering seeks to restore or replace damaged tissues by integrating cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules. However, simulating the dynamic physiological microenvironment of natural tissues is difficult using traditional scaffold materials, limiting their application. The emergence of smart materials, particularly glucose-responsive hydrogels, has provided a new approach for addressing this issue. Glucose-responsive hydrogels can dynamically modulate their structural and functional characteristics in response to ambient glucose levels, achieving precise drug release, tissue repair, and regeneration, thus promoting the development of tissue engineering technology. This review systematically categorizes glucose-responsive hydrogel materials, encompassing natural materials, synthetic polymers, and nanomaterials. Their biocompatibility, adjustable mechanical properties, and multifunctional properties have also been emphasized. Characterization methods, including mechanical properties and response characteristics, are systematically summarized. Key response mechanisms involving the glucose oxidase, lectin, phenylboronic acid, and cyclodextrin systems are analyzed in detail. These mechanisms enable the intelligent regulation of material properties by specifically recognizing glucose. Glucose-responsive hydrogels show strong potential for regenerating skin, bone, cartilage, and periodontal tissues, positioning them as innovative tools for regenerative medicine.