Hydrogels in adipose tissue engineering - potential application in post-mastectomy breast regeneration.

Current methods of breast reconstruction are associated with significant shortcomings, including capsular contracture, infection, rupture, the need for reoperation in implant-based reconstruction, and donor site morbidity in autologous reconstruction. These limitations result in severe physical and psychological issues for breast cancer patients. Recently, research has moved into the field of adipose tissue engineering to overcome these limitations. A wide range of regenerative strategies have been devised utilising various scaffold designs and biomaterials. A scaffold capable of providing appropriate biochemical and biomechanical cues for adipogenesis is required. Hydrogels have been widely studied for their suitability for adipose tissue regeneration, and are advantageous secondary to their ability to accurately imitate the native extracellular matrix. The aim of this review is to analyse the use of hydrogel scaffolds in the field of adipose tissue engineering.