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Shear-responsive boundary-lubricated hydrogels attenuate osteoarthritis
Yiting Lei1, Xingkuan Wang2, Junyi Liao1
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, PR China.
Bioactive Materials
|April 13, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogel that provides lubrication and delivers drugs. It self-repairs under shear stress, offering sustained relief for osteoarthritis and other friction-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Lipid-based boundary layers on hydrogels offer lubrication but are susceptible to shear damage.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) involves cartilage degradation and friction, necessitating effective lubrication and drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a shear-responsive, boundary-lubricated, drug-loaded hydrogel for treating osteoarthritis.
- To investigate the hydrogel's ability to provide sustained lubrication and deliver celecoxib (CLX).
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of celecoxib (CLX)-loaded liposomes into dynamic covalent bond-based hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels (CLX@Lipo@HA-gel).
- Evaluation of shear-responsive restructuring and boundary layer formation.
- Assessment of hydration shells for lubrication sustainability.
- In vitro and in vivo testing for therapeutic effects on cartilage and OA progression.
Main Results:
- The CLX@Lipo@HA-gel demonstrated shear-responsive self-restructuring and boundary layer formation for stable lubrication.
- Liposomes accumulated on sliding surfaces, enhancing lubrication and drug delivery.
- Hydration shells contributed to sustained lubrication by retarding degradation.
- In vitro and in vivo studies showed the hydrogel maintained anabolic-catabolic balance, reduced cartilage wear, and attenuated OA progression.
Conclusions:
- CLX@Lipo@HA-gels function as effective shear-responsive boundary lubricants and drug-delivery vehicles.
- These hydrogels show potential for alleviating friction-related diseases, particularly osteoarthritis.
- The dynamic covalent network and liposome reservoirs offer a promising strategy for advanced biomaterial design.
