Menglei Wang,* Jiawen Chen,* Yawen Luo, Meixin Feng, Qianwen Yang, Yingmei Tang, Ziyi Tang, Wantong Xiao, Yue Zheng, Li Li

Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Li Li; Yue Zheng, Email npfklily@smu.edu.cn; benbenzhu-11@163.com

Abstract: Hydrogels can be rationally designed as multifunctional platforms with structures and functions for various biomedical applications. Because of their excellent biochemical and mechanical properties, hydrogels have shown great potential for promoting angiogenesis, and an increasing amount of research has been devoted to designing and developing new hydrogels. However, a systematic and detailed review of hydrogels that promote angiogenesis is lacking. This paper comprehensively summarizes the design strategies of different kinds of functional hydrogels that promote angiogenesis, with anti-oxidant, substance-delivery, stimulus-responsive, self-healing, conductive, and wound-monitoring properties. The applications of hydrogels in wound healing, bone regeneration, and treatment of myocardial ischemia are discussed. Finally, future development directions of functional hydrogels promoting angiogenesis are proposed along with new strategies for the treatment of related diseases.

Keywords: Hydrogel, angiogenesis, bioactive materials, wound healing, intelligent hydrogel, review