Abstract

Injectable 3D Cryogels for Biomedical Applications

Sidi Bencherif, Assistant Professor, Northeastern University

Injectable biomaterials are increasingly being explored to minimize risks and complications associated with surgical implantation. Highly elastic cryogels with shape-memory properties have recently been developed to be injected through a small-bore needle with nearly complete geometric restoration once delivered. Cryogels displaying an interconnected macroporous structure can be molded to a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be optionally loaded with therapeutic agents or cells. These injectable scaffolds show great promise for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, cell transplantation, drug delivery, and cancer immunotherapy.