Research progress on the application of inkjet printing technology combined with hydrogels

Inkjet printing technology is a convenient, high-speed, and high-precision manufacturing tool, capable of achieving precise printing at both micro and nano scales. Composite hydrogel materials have garnered attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and outstanding mechanical properties. Combining inkjet printing technology with hydrogel materials for research and application holds the promise of significant breakthroughs in various fields, offering new development prospects for the construction of precise and complex biological tissues and biochips. In this review, we meticulously outline the research advancements in integrating inkjet printing technology with hydrogel materials. The high precision and accuracy of inkjet printing technology, with its inherent advantages, harmoniously complement the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of hydrogel materials. We delve deeply into the organic integration of these two in various fields, discussing the current state of research and the numerous challenges faced in their application studies. We specifically highlight the immense potential demonstrated in research areas such as particle loading and delivery, flexible circuits and sensors, bioengineering, and irregularly shaped hydrogels. Furthermore, we provide insights into the future development direction of the cohesive combination of inkjet printing technology and hydrogels.