Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are microporous materials with high potential for biomedical applications. They are useful as drug delivery systems, antibacterials, and biosensors. Recently, composite materials comprised of polymer matrixes and MOFs have gained relevance in the biomedical field due to their high potential as materials to accelerate wound healing. In this work, we studied the potential applications of composite hydrogels containing MgMOF74, CaMOF74, and Zn(Atz)(Py). The composite hydrogels are biodegradable, being completely degraded after 15 days by the action of collagenase and papain. The composites showed high biocompatibility reaching cell viabilities up to 165.3 ± 8.6% and 112.3 ± 12.8% for porcine fibroblasts and human monocytes, respectively. The composites did not show hemolytic character and they showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli reaching up to 84 ± 5% of inhibition compared with amoxicillin (20 ppm). Further, the immunological assays revealed that the composites produce a favorable cell signaling stimulating the secretion of the TGF-β and MCP-1 cytokines and maintaining the secretion of TNF-α in normal levels. Finally, the composites showed potential to be used as controlled drug delivery systems reaching a release efficiency of 30.5 ± 2.5% for ketorolac. Finally, results revealed that ColGG-Zn(Atz)(Py) was the best formulation evaluated.

Background and purpose: Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels are an adaptable category of materials, exhibiting remarkable promise for various biological applications due to their distinctive structural and functional attributes. This review delves into the synthesis of IPN hydrogels through both physical and chemical methodologies, elucidating how these techniques allow for precise tailoring of mechanical pro­perties, swelling behaviour, and biocompatibility. Experimental approach: We conducted an extensive literature review by searching well-established online research databases for articles published since 2009 to gather comprehensive data on IPN hydrogels. Key results: Our review highlights several critical appli­cations of IPN hydrogels in the biomedical field; i) Tissue engineering: IPN hydrogels are evaluated for their capacity to emulate the extracellular matrix, making them excellent scaffolds for tissue engineering; ii) Con­trolled drug release: The ability of IPN hydrogels to modulate drug release rates and protect bioactive molecules is explored. Their structure enables sustained and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, enhancing treatment efficacy; iii) 3D bioprinting: The use of IPN hydrogels as bioinks for 3D bioprinting is assessed, demonstrating their capability to construct intricate, biomimetic structures with high precision; and iv) Regenerative medicine: the development of biomimetic IPN hydrogels for regenerative medicine, emphasizing their potential to closely replicate natural biological environments, thereby promoting effective tissue repair and regeneration. Conclusion: IPN hydrogels emerge as a versatile and multifaceted platform with significant implications for advancing biomedical science and clinical therapies. Their diverse applications highlight their potential to revolutionize current biomedical practices and contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic solutions.