Collagen-based micro/nanogel delivery systems: Manufacturing, release mechanisms, and biomedical applications.
10.1097/CM9.0000000000003611
- Author:
Bowei DU
1
;
Shuhan FENG
2
;
Jiajun WANG
1
;
Keyi CAO
1
;
Zhiheng SHI
3
;
Cuicui MEN
3
;
Tengfei YU
4
;
Shiqi WANG
2
;
Yaqin HUANG
1
Author Information
1. Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
2. Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.
3. Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gelatine Medicines Research and Development, Dong'e Ejiao Co., Ltd., Liaocheng, Shandong 252200, China.
4. Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100160, China.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Collagen-based materials;
Cross-linking;
Delivery systems;
Micro/nanogels;
Responsiveness
- MeSH:
Collagen/chemistry*;
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*;
Humans;
Tissue Engineering/methods*;
Animals;
Biocompatible Materials/chemistry*
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2025;138(10):1135-1152
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Collagen-based materials, renowned for their biocompatibility and minimal immunogenicity, serve as exemplary substrates in a myriad of biomedical applications. Collagen-based micro/nanogels, in particular, are valued for their increased surface area, tunable degradation rates, and ability to facilitate targeted drug delivery, making them instrumental in advanced therapeutics and tissue engineering endeavors. Although extensive reviews on micro/nanogels exist, they tend to cover a wide range of biomaterials and lack a specific focus on collagen-based materials. The current review offers an in-depth look into the manufacturing technologies, drug release mechanisms, and biomedical applications of collagen-based micro/nanogels to address this gap. First, we provide an overview of the synthetic strategies that allow the precise control of the size, shape, and mechanical strength of these collagen-based micro/nanogels by controlling the degree of cross-linking of the materials. These properties are crucial for their performance in biomedical applications. We then highlight the environmental responsiveness of these collagen-based micro/nanogels, particularly their sensitivity to enzymes and pH, which enables controlled drug release under various pathological conditions. The discussion then expands to include their applications in cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, bone tissue repair, and imaging diagnosis, emphasizing their versatility and potential in these critical areas. The challenges and future perspectives of collagen-based micro/nanogels in the field are discussed at the end of the review, with an emphasis on the translation to clinical practice. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and scientists alike, providing insights into the current state and future directions of collagen-based micro/nanogel research and development.
