Macroporous Hydrogels: Structured Macroporous Hydrogels: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 1/2018)

Structured macroporous hydrogels offer both the swelling and interfacial properties of bulk hydrogels as well as the transport properties of “hard” macroporous materials, making these networks intriguing for many biomedical applications. In article number 1700927, Todd Hoare and co‐workers summarize conventional preparation methods of structured macroporous hydrogels and highlight the progress, opportunities and challenges associated with such hydrogels, with a particular emphasis on creating high strength networks, anisotropic pores, and using solvent‐free preparation techniques. Pictured, a macroporous hydrogel with anisotropic pores is used for directing cell growth throughout the network. Cover image by Dr. Kevin Yager, Brookhaven National Laboratories.