Hydrogel degradation products as immunomodulatory cues in neural injury: mechanisms and implications for neural repair

inert fragments. Here, we propose a framework for "immuno-degradable" hydrogel design that integrates materials science with neurobiology, where hydrogel byproducts are deliberately engineered to promote neuroprotective microglial phenotypes, attenuate astrogliosis, and enhance axonal regeneration. We conclude by outlining material design strategies, such as hybrid polymer scaffolds, controlled crosslinking, and incorporation of bioactive motifs for temporal and spatial control of degradation and immune modulation. This review positions hydrogel degradation byproducts as an emerging class of therapeutic cues for neural repair.