A Biocompatible, Stimuli-Responsive, and Injectable Hydrogel with Triple Dynamic Bonds.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are crucial for minimally invasive clinical applications.
• Natural biomaterial-based hydrogels often have limited functionality.
• There is a need for advanced injectable biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility and properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, multi-functional injectable hydrogel using natural polymers.
• To create a hydrogel with desirable properties like injectability, self-healing, and stimuli-responsiveness.
• To evaluate the cytocompatibility of the developed hydrogel for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of CMC-OSA-DTP hydrogels using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), oxidized alginate (OSA), and 3,3'-dithiopropionic acid dihydrazide (DTP).
• Introduction of triple dynamic covalent bonds to impart specific properties.
• In vitro evaluation using CCK-8 and live/dead assays to assess cytocompatibility.

Main Results:

• The CMC-OSA-DTP hydrogel exhibited redox and pH stimuli-responsive properties.
• The hydrogel demonstrated injectability and self-healing capabilities.
• Satisfying cytocompatibility was confirmed through in vitro assays.

Conclusions:

• The developed CMC-OSA-DTP hydrogel is a multi-functional and easily fabricated biomaterial.
• Its unique properties make it a promising candidate for various biomedical applications.
• This hydrogel addresses the limitations of current natural biomaterial-based injectable hydrogels.