Sticking to the Heart: Adhesive Hydrogels for Cardiac Regeneration.

PURPOSE: Adhesive hydrogels (AHs) are promising biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering due to their injectability, ability to adhere to wet tissue, and structural similarity to the native extracellular matrix (ECM). This review evaluates the perspectives, opportunities, and challenges associated with AHs in cardiac tissue repair and functional recovery. Adhesion is achieved through chemical mechanisms including Schiff base reactions, Michael addition, and enzymatic crosslinking, as well as physical interactions including hydrogen bonding, host-guest complexation, and catechol-based binding. These mechanisms support integration with the dynamic and mechanically active cardiac surface ensuring the localized and sustained delivery of cells/therapeutics.

METHODS

Peer reviewed articles were identified through searches of PubMed and Embase using terms related to "adhesive hydrogels," "bioadhesion," and "cardiac tissue engineering." Studies were included based on relevance to adhesion chemistry, mechanical integration, in vivo cardiac performance, and translational outcomes.

RESULTS

Recent reports demonstrated improvements in ventricular remodeling, neovascularization, and scar size reduction, while early-stage clinical trials report safety and potential functional benefits of AH-based cardiac applications.

CONCLUSION

Continued progress in material design, biocompatibility, and clinical delivery approaches is essential for translating adhesive hydrogels into routine therapies for heart management.