Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation Formation of Structured Hydrogel Particles via Microfluidics for Scar...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Excessive scarring leads to contractures and psychological distress.
• Hydrogels offer sustained release but struggle with hydrophobic drugs like corticosteroids.
• Rapid release from conventional hydrogels causes ineffective scar treatment and recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer hydrogel particles for controlled, long-term release of hydrophobic corticosteroids.
• To investigate a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method for particle fabrication.
• To develop an effective scar therapy using these advanced hydrogel particles.

Main Methods:

• Microfluidics used to create polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) core/alginate shell hydrogel particles without organic solvents.
• Hydrophobic corticosteroid-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulated within the PEGDA core.
• Polymerization-induced phase separation controlled nanoparticle distribution and release kinetics.
• In vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate therapeutic outcomes.

Main Results:

• Well-defined PEGDA core/alginate shell hydrogel particles were successfully fabricated.
• Controlled compartmentalization of PLGA nanoparticles within the core enabled sustained corticosteroid release.
• Precise regulation of nanoparticle distribution and shell thickness achieved.
• Effective scar therapeutic outcomes demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

Conclusions:

• The novel hydrogel particle system provides a promising platform for sustained hydrophobic drug delivery.
• This approach effectively addresses limitations of current scar treatment methods.
• The developed technology offers a new strategy for managing wound healing and preventing scar formation.