Hydrogel-Based Implantable Medical Devices: Pioneering Therapies and Monitoring

Hydrogels exhibit a range of advantageous properties, including high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and strong adhesion in wet environments that render them highly suitable for use as implantable medical devices. In this review, we systematically introduce the enhancement strategies for the key performance of hydrogels. We then sort out the cutting-edge cases and core progress of hydrogels in biomedical applications in disease therapy and diagnosis, including tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, biosensing, and energy harvesting and storage. Finally, we critically analyze the key challenges and future development directions faced in the clinical transformation process of this field, aiming to promote the efficient transformation of hydrogel-based implantable medical devices from basic research to clinical application.