Framework to characterize hydrogels for biomedical scientists and engineers

An extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional cementing material that gives structural support to our cells. Hydrogels mimicking this extracellular matrix (ECM) have become increasingly attractive in biomedical science research due to their tunability and biocompatibility. However, hydrogel development and characterisation require an interdisciplinary approach that is seldom fully achieved as it needs an extraordinary degree of researcher skill.

This review is a first-of-its-kind approach that will provide information on available tools for properly characterising ECM-based hydrogels and interpreting the resulting data. It also provides an accurate roadmap that can be used by biomedical researchers when attempting to bridge the gap between material science and biomedicine.

The review paper was published by Matter, a sister journal to Cell and home for multi-disciplinary, transformative materials science and impactful research.

Lead author and Director of CÚRAM Professor Abhay Pandit said: "With this proposed review, we aim to combine the knowledge of chemistry, material science, and biology by critically discussing the available tools to properly characterise ECM-based hydrogels and interpreting the resulting data, leading to an accurate roadmap to be applied in this exciting field."

ECM hydrogel development and characterisation involve a wide array of interdisciplinary tools; this review will appeal to chemists, material scientists, engineers, and biologists working in the field. This review provides a concise, complete, and easy-to-follow guide for advanced undergraduates, early postgraduate researchers, industry (MedTech, Pharmaceutical, and BioTech), and experts in this interdisciplinary field.

Professor Pandit further explains: "The impact of this review is an attempt to facilitate further interdisciplinary work to create solutions for chronic illnesses in the future aligning with CÚRAMs mission of improving quality of life for people living with chronic illness.

It will be a go-to resource for researchers in academia and industry and a source of inspiration for the next generation of materials scientists and engineers."