Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (8): 2081-2090.doi: 10.12307/2026.070

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Progress and future perspectives on the application of hydrogel materials in stroke therapy

Wang Zheng, Cheng Ji, Yu Jinlong, Liu Wenhong, Wang Zhaohong, Zhou Luxing   

  1. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China
  • Received:2025-01-14 Accepted:2025-04-27 Online:2026-03-18 Published:2025-07-28
  • Contact: Zhou Luxing, Lecturer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China
  • About author:Wang Zheng, MS, Experimentalist, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China
  • Supported by:
    Young Teachers Scientific Research Support Project of Tianjin University of Sport, No. 24TYQZ009 (to ZLX); Tianjin Mental Health Education Research Special Project, No. 2024GX31 (to ZLX); Tianjin Sports Scientific Research “Preparation for Key Research Project”, No. 24BZ13 (to ZLX)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, hydrogel has become a material of great interest in stroke treatment due to its unique biocompatibility, plasticity, and versatility. 
OBJECTIVE: To describe the main pathological mechanisms of stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), the advantages and progress of application of hydrogels in the treatment of stroke, the unique considerations and challenges in the design and application of hydrogels. 
METHODS: The relevant literature in PubMed and CNKI was searched by computer, with Chinese and English search terms “hydrogel, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, drug transport, neuronal regeneration, vascular remodeling, inflammatory modulation.” According to the inclusion criteria, 100 articles that met the requirements were finally included for review. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hydrogels have demonstrated significant advantages in stroke treatment, including mimicking extracellular matrix to promote neural repair, loading drugs and growth factors to achieve precise release, modulating inflammatory responses, and supporting neovascularization. Meanwhile, its plasticity and minimally invasive delivery characteristics improve the targeting of treatment and patient acceptance. However, technical bottlenecks of material stability, degradation control, and clinical translation are still faced. Future research should focus on the development of intelligent, composite and high-performance hydrogels for personalized and precise treatment. The continuous development of hydrogel materials is expected to provide more effective solutions for neurological diseases, such as stroke, and promote medical technology innovation in this field.



Key words: hydrogel, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, drug transport, neuronal regeneration, vascular remodeling, inflammatory modulation

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