Nature produces hydrogel materials in the form of cell surface sugars.
An analysis of cell surface hydrogels has inspired new strategies for the design of synthetic hydrogels that mimic human tissues. These devices will have various industrial uses, from studies of the immune system to high-throughput drug screening. The major challenges to such materials have been rejection, wear, and failure. Newly fabricated biomimetic materials mimic biology to speed healing and foster the regeneration of natural tissues and organs. Collaborative research in neurobiology, biophysics, and bioengineering is moving ahead to establish new tools to treat a variety of physical conditions.