Exploring the Landscape of Hydrogel Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis (1991-2023)

Background This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injury to visualize the research status, identify hotspots, and explore the development trends in this field. Methods Web of science Core Collection database was searched for relevant studies published between January 1991 and December 2023. Data such as journal title, author information, institutional affiliation, country, citation and keywords were extracted. Bibliometrix, CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to perform bibliometric analysis of the retrieved data. Results A total of 1099 articles pertaining to hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injury were retrieved, revealing an upward trajectory in both annual publication volume and cumulative publication volume. Biomaterials emerged as the journal with the highest number of publications and the most rapid cumulative publication growth, contributing 84 articles. Among authors, Shoichet MS stood out with the highest number of publications and citations, totaling 66 articles. The University of Toronto led in institutional contributions with 65 publications, while China dominated in country-specific publications, accounting for 374 articles.However, to foster significant academic achievements, it is imperative for diverse authors, institutions, and countries to enhance collaboration. Current research in this field concentrates on scaffold architecture, nerve growth factor, the fibrotic microenvironment, and guidance channels. Simultaneously, upcoming research directions prioritize 3D bioprinting, injectable hydrogel, inflammation, and nanoparticles within the realm of hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injuries. Conclusion In summary, this study provided a comprehensive analysis of the current research status and frontiers of hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injury. The findings provide a foundation for future research and clinical translation efforts of hydrogel therapy in this field.