Advancements in alginate-derived biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: Emerging innovations and translational outlooks

Abstract

Alginate, a polysaccharide obtained from brown seaweed, is increasingly recognized as a valuable biomaterial for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TE-RM). Recent studies show that alginate hydrogels not only provide structural support but also actively influence cell–matrix interactions, vascular growth, and scaffold remodeling. This review highlights these mechanistic insights and explains how alginate modifications such as chemical functionalization, biocompatibility crosslinking, and incorporation into composites are helping to overcome common challenges like immune activation, fibrotic encapsulation, and limited mechanical stability. Recent progress in clinical trials, regulatory pathways, and intellectual property development demonstrates alginate's translational potential in TE-RM. By focusing on both biological mechanisms and clinical progress, collectively, the evidence establishes alginate as a promising platform for next-generation advances in TE-RM.