RT Journal Article
T1 pH-responsive scaffolds for tissue regeneration: In vivo performance
A1 Zarur, Mariana
A1 Seijo-Rabina, Alejandro
A1 Goyanes Goyanes, Álvaro
A1 Concheiro Nine, Ángel Joaquín
A1 Álvarez Lorenzo, Carmen
K1 pH-sensitive
K1 Wound healing
K1 Bone regeneration
K1 Bacteria-triggered release
K1 Reversible bonds
AB A myriad of pH-sensitive scaffolds has been reported in recent decades. Information on their behaviour in vitro under conditions that mimic the pH changes that occur during tissue regeneration is abundant. Differently, the in vivo demonstration of the advantages of pH-responsive systems in comparison with non-responders is more limited. The in vivo scenario is very complex and the intricate relationship between the host response, the overall pathological conditions of the patient, and the risk of colonization by microorganisms is very difficult to imitate in in vitro tests. This review aims to shed light on how the changes in pH between healthy and damaged states and also during the healing process have been exploited so far to develop polymer-based scaffolds that actively contribute in vivo to the healing process avoiding chronification. The main strategies so far tested to prepare pH-responsive scaffolds rely on (i) changes in ionization of natural polymers, ionizable monomers and clays, (ii) reversible cross-linkers, (iii) coatings, and (iv) production of CO2 gas. These strategies are analysed in detail in this review with the description of relevant examples of their performance on specific animal models. The versatility of the techniques used to prepare biocompatible and environment-friendly pH-responsive scaffolds that have been implemented in the last decade may pave the way for a successful translation to the clinic.Statement of significanceWe report here on the most recent advances in pH-responsive polymer-based scaffolds that have been demonstrated in vivo to be suitable for wound and bone healing. pH is a critical variable in the tissue regeneration process, and small changes can speed up or completely stop the process. Although there is still a paucity of information on the performance in the complex in vivo environment, recently reported achievements using scaffolds endowed with pH-responsiveness through ionic natural polymers, ionizable monomers and clays, reversible cross-linkers, coatings, or formation of CO2 ensure a promising future towards clinical translation
PB Elsevier
SN 1742-7061
YR 2023
FD 2023-07-22
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10347/31160
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10347/31160
LA eng
NO Acta Biomaterialia Volume 168 (2023) 22-41
NO The work was supported by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 [PID 2020-113881RB-I00], Spain, Xunta de Galicia [ED431C 2020/17], FEDER, and GLIOSILK Project funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) [AC19/00067] Cofinanciado FEDER, Spain. ASR acknowledges a PRE2021-098268 fellowship financed by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and FSE+. M.Z. was financed by GLIOSILK Project funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) [AC19/00067] Cofinanciado FEDER, Spain
DS Minerva
RD 24 abr 2026