Eutectogels: Recent Advances and Emerging Biological Applications

Abstract

Eutectogels, a family of emerging materials, integrate the characteristics of deep eutectic solvents (DES) and gels, presenting unique application potential in biomedical engineering. However, the latest progress of eutectogels and their applications in the biomedical field remain to be summarized and refined. This review first introduces the composition of eutectogels and their unique properties generated by the interaction between DES and the gel matrix. Subsequently, the classifications and advantages of eutectogels are comprehensively discussed according to their cross-linked preparation methods, including physical, chemical, and multiple cross-linked. By analyzing the properties of eutectogels, such as mechanical performance, thermal properties, conductivity, injectability, and their structure-function relationships, the application potential of eutectogels is overviewed. Then, the eutectogel's application prospects in biomedical engineering are elaborated in detail, including their application in drug delivery to improve drug stability and precise control release, enhancing curative effects and reducing side effects. Also, the functional utilization in tissue engineering, biosensing, bioadhesives, and related biomedical domains are comprehensively explored. Finally, existing challenges and prospective research directions of eutectogels are delineated.