Research Progress of Sodium Alginate-Based Hydrogels in Biomedical Engineering

Sodium alginate, a widely available and high-performance natural polymer, exhibits significant potential for applications in the biomedical field due to its excellent biocompatibility and versatile functionalization capabilities. This review systematically elucidates the fundamental properties and preparation methods of sodium alginate-based hydrogels, analyzing recent advancements in optimizing their mechanical properties, functionalization, and biological characteristics through strategies such as composite material construction, nano-reinforcement, and dynamic crosslinking. Furthermore, it summarizes the multifunctional applications of sodium alginate-based hydrogels in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing while addressing challenges in practical applications, including insufficient mechanical strength, regulating degradation rates, and maintaining stability in complex biological environments. To overcome these challenges, future research directions are proposed, including performance optimization, intelligent design, novel preparation techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration, to facilitate the comprehensive transition of sodium alginate hydrogels from laboratory research to clinical applications. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation and technical support for the fundamental research and biomedical applications of sodium alginate hydrogels while highlighting their promising prospects in addressing complex medical challenges.