Oxime cross-linked injectable hydrogels for catheter delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Minimally Invasive Therapies
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Catheter delivery of therapeutic agents is crucial for minimally invasive treatments.
• Injectable materials often face challenges with rapid gelation upon mixing or reaching body temperature.
• Developing injectable materials with controlled gelation is essential for effective in-situ therapeutic delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of an oxime cross-linked hydrogel system for catheter-based delivery.
• To investigate the tunable gelation properties of the hydrogel system.
• To assess the feasibility of rapid gelation upon injection into tissue.

Main Methods:

• Development of an oxime cross-linked hydrogel system.
• Evaluation of gelation rate tunability.
• Assessment of injectability through a catheter.
• In-situ gelation studies upon injection into tissue.

Main Results:

• The oxime cross-linked hydrogel system exhibits a broad range of tunable gelation rates.
• The hydrogel is successfully injectable through a catheter.
• Rapid gelation of the hydrogel is observed upon injection into tissue.

Conclusions:

• Oxime cross-linked hydrogels are a promising platform for catheter-delivered therapeutics.
• Tunable gelation rates and rapid in-situ solidification enable effective minimally invasive treatments.
• This system overcomes limitations of premature gelation in injectable therapeutic materials.