Nanomaterial-based hydrogels for coronary interventions: a mini review

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) has become a major health concern these days. Elevated levels of cholesterol due to improper diet cause severe damage to human health, resulting in the narrowing of blood vessels leading to MI. Different approaches have been used based on surgical and non-surgical treatments for these blockages to cure MI. In this regard, injectable and non-injectable hydrogel-based percutaneous coronary intervention has shown promising applicability for the treatment of cardiac damage and its repair. In this report, we summarize a few hydrogels based on natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, polyethylene glycol and extracellular matrices to be used for percutaneous coronary intervention in the treatment of MI. Their structure, biological properties and biocompatibilities are discussed, and their existing challenges are also detailed. In addition, the probable solutions to overcome certain set backs are also highlighted.