Yew, P. Y. M., Chee, P. L., Lin, Q., Owh, C., Li, J., Dou, Q. Q., Loh, X. J., Kai, D., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Hydrogel for light delivery in biomedical applications. Bioactive Materials, 37, 407–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.031
Abstract:
Traditional optical waveguides or mediums are often silica-based materials, but their applications in biomedicine and healthcare are limited due to the poor biocompatibility and unsuitable mechanical properties. In term of the applications in human body, a biocompatible hydrogel system with excellent optical transparency and mechanical flexibility could be beneficial. In this review, we explore the different designs of hydrogel-based optical waveguides derived from natural and synthetic sources. We highlighted key developments such as light emitting contact lenses, implantable optical fibres, biosensing systems, luminating and fluorescent materials. Finally, we expand further on the challenges and perspectives for hydrogel waveguides to achieve clinical applications.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - RIE2025 MTC Individual Research Grant
Grant Reference no. : M22K2c0085
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore - NRF Investigatorship
Grant Reference no. : NRF-NRFI07–2021–0003
This research / project is supported by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) - Clinician Scientist-Individual Research Grant (CS-IRG)
Grant Reference no. : MOH-001357-00
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - Central Research Fund
Grant Reference no. :