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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Injectable hydrogel microspheres with self-renewable hydration layers alleviate osteoarthritis
Yiting Lei1, Yuping Wang1, Jieliang Shen1
1Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China.
Science Advances
|February 2, 2022
Summary
New hydrogel microspheres (HMs) with self-renewable hydration layers offer improved joint lubrication. These RAPA@Lipo@HMs reduce friction and show potential for treating osteoarthritis by maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Hydrogel microspheres (HMs) reduce friction via hydration layers, but lubrication fails if coatings are damaged.
- Self-renewal of lubrication is crucial for sustained effectiveness in biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop self-renewable hydration layers for hydrogel microspheres (HMs) to maintain joint lubrication and cellular homeostasis.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of rapamycin-liposome-incorporating hyaluronic acid-based HMs (RAPA@Lipo@HMs) for osteoarthritis.
Main Methods:
- Microfluidic technology and photopolymerization were used to create RAPA@Lipo@HMs.
- Investigated the lubrication mechanism via smooth rolling and continuous liposome exposure.
- Assessed the targeting of cationic liposomes to cartilage and the enhancement of autophagy.
Main Results:
- RAPA@Lipo@HMs demonstrated self-renewable hydration layers through frictional wear, ensuring continuous lubrication.
- Released rapamycin-loaded liposomes targeted cartilage and promoted autophagy, maintaining cellular homeostasis.
- In vivo studies showed RAPA@Lipo@HMs alleviated joint wear and delayed osteoarthritis progression.
Conclusions:
- RAPA@Lipo@HMs provide efficient, self-renewable lubrication for hydrogel microspheres.
- This technology offers a promising strategy for alleviating friction-related diseases like osteoarthritis.
