Hydrogels as biologics/gene delivery systems

Hydrogel-based delivery of therapeutic candidates (biologics, genes) constitutes a powerful strategy in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine to promote tissue repair while mimicking the native tissue structure. A wide variety of natural, synthetic, and hybrid polymers were employed to produce hydrogel systems acting as delivery vehicles of recombinant factors and of gene transfer vectors for the treatment of several musculoskeletal disorders. In the present work, we provide an overview of the most recent studies based on the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents via hydrogel compounds to treat lesions affecting the articular cartilage, bone, tendons/ligaments, and meniscus with a focus on outcomes in clinically relevant models of tissue damage in vivo.