CHAPTER 4: Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have gained ample attention for tissue engineering (TE) applications due to their capability to respond to changes in external physical or chemical stimuli and as they mimic extracellular matrices. In the current chapter, the fabrication methods as well as the physicochemical properties of stimuli-responsive hydrogels are presented. Insights reporting the influence of materials properties on cell functions such as cell proliferation, migration and differentiation are also provided. Moreover, recent progress in the development of smart hydrogels made of natural and synthetic polymers together with a future outlook on the concomitant potential and challenges of smart hydrogel applications as TE scaffolds are presented.