Understanding alginate-based hydrogels and their crosstalk with cells
Abstract
Hydrogels are high-water-content materials formed from crosslinked polymer networks, capable of providing localized and sustained delivery of a wide range of therapeutic agents, including cells. Among natural polymers, alginate has garnered significant attention as a hydrogel scaffold due to its excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and inherent biodegradability. Advances in the design and engineering of alginate hydrogels have enabled the development of next-generation drug and cell delivery systems that respond dynamically to various environmental stimuli. Beyond functioning as passive carriers, alginate hydrogels have evolved into interactive platforms that can engage in bidirectional communication with encapsulated or surrounding cells. These smart materials not only influence cellular behaviour but are also responsive to biochemical and biomechanical cues from the cellular microenvironment. This dynamic interplay, often described as "give-and-take" communication, relies on complex, integrated mechanisms. This review explores the latest advancements in alginate hydrogel fabrication, functionalization, and degradation, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms underpinning their interactive behaviour with cells and their potential in responsive, adaptive therapeutic systems.
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BibTeX
@article{abid2026understanding,
title = {{Understanding alginate-based hydrogels and their crosstalk with cells}},
author = {Ali Imran Abid and Hira Muzammel and Nicolas Anton and Guillaume Conzatti and Thierry Vandamme},
journal = {Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.carpta.2026.101252},
url = {https://univoak.hal.science/hal-05780511v1},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Understanding alginate-based hydrogels and their crosstalk with cells
AU - Ali Imran Abid
AU - Hira Muzammel
AU - Nicolas Anton
AU - Guillaume Conzatti
AU - Thierry Vandamme
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/04
JO - Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications
DO - 10.1016/j.carpta.2026.101252
UR - https://univoak.hal.science/hal-05780511v1
AB - Hydrogels are high-water-content materials formed from crosslinked polymer networks, capable of providing localized and sustained delivery of a wide range of therapeutic agents, including cells. Among natural polymers, alginate has garnered significant attention as a hydrogel scaffold due to its excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and inherent biodegradability. Advances in the design and engineering of alginate hydrogels have enabled the development of next-generation drug and cell delivery systems that respond dynamically to various environmental stimuli. Beyond functioning as passive carriers, alginate hydrogels have evolved into interactive platforms that can engage in bidirectional communication with encapsulated or surrounding cells. These smart materials not only influence cellular behaviour but are also responsive to biochemical and biomechanical cues from the cellular microenvironment. This dynamic interplay, often described as "give-and-take" communication, relies on complex, integrated mechanisms. This review explores the latest advancements in alginate hydrogel fabrication, functionalization, and degradation, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms underpinning their interactive behaviour with cells and their potential in responsive, adaptive therapeutic systems.
SN - 2666-8939
ER -