The article reviews the development and applications of hydrogels in regenerative medicine, highlighting their potential in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cell therapy. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers with high water content, mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM). The rational design of hydrogels with controlled physical and biological properties can modulate cellular functionality and tissue morphogenesis. The review focuses on advanced hydrogels with tunable physicochemical properties, including elastomeric, light-sensitive, composite, and shape-memory hydrogels. It discusses the advantages and limitations of naturally derived and synthetic elastomers, such as elastin and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and their applications in tissue engineering. The article also explores the use of photosensitive hydrogels, which can be crosslinked or degraded by light exposure, and reinforced composite hydrogels, which combine different polymers or nanostructures to enhance mechanical and biological properties. The potential of these hydrogels in improving patient care and quality of life is anticipated.The article reviews the development and applications of hydrogels in regenerative medicine, highlighting their potential in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cell therapy. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers with high water content, mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM). The rational design of hydrogels with controlled physical and biological properties can modulate cellular functionality and tissue morphogenesis. The review focuses on advanced hydrogels with tunable physicochemical properties, including elastomeric, light-sensitive, composite, and shape-memory hydrogels. It discusses the advantages and limitations of naturally derived and synthetic elastomers, such as elastin and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and their applications in tissue engineering. The article also explores the use of photosensitive hydrogels, which can be crosslinked or degraded by light exposure, and reinforced composite hydrogels, which combine different polymers or nanostructures to enhance mechanical and biological properties. The potential of these hydrogels in improving patient care and quality of life is anticipated.