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A Novel Tenorrhaphy Suture Technique with Tissue Engineered Collagen Graft to Repair Large Tendon Defects
Published on: December 10, 2021
Gradient bimetallic ion-based hydrogels for tissue microstructure reconstruction of tendon-to-bone insertion
Renhao Yang1, Gen Li1, Chengyu Zhuang1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, P. R. China.
This study introduces a gradient bimetallic ion-based hydrogel for tissue regeneration. The novel hydrogel promotes tendon and bone healing, offering a new approach for complex tissue injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Gradient tissues are crucial for function, but regenerating gradient injuries is difficult.
- Current methods struggle with complex tissue interfaces like tendon-to-bone insertions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a gradient bimetallic ion-based hydrogel for tendon-to-bone insertion regeneration.
- To investigate the hydrogel's ability to promote simultaneous tenogenesis and osteogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a gradient bimetallic (Cu/Zn) ion-based hydrogel using coordinative crosslinking.
- Evaluated the hydrogel's antibacterial and regenerative properties in vitro.
- Tested the hydrogel's efficacy in a rat rotator cuff tear model.
Main Results:
- The Cu/Zn hydrogel acted as crosslinkers, exhibited antibacterial effects, and induced regeneration in vitro.
- In vivo, the gradient layer promoted collagen and fibrocartilage arrangement and ingrowth at the tendon-to-bone interface.
- Demonstrated simultaneous promotion of tenogenesis and osteogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Gradient bimetallic ion-based hydrogels are effective for regenerating complex, inhomogeneous tissues.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for repairing challenging tissue interfaces.
- The developed hydrogel holds potential for treating injuries requiring synchronized tendon and bone healing.

