Immunized Microspheres Engineered Hydrogel Membrane for Reprogramming Macrophage and Mucosal Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Immunology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Macrophages (Mφ) exhibit a dual role in tissue injury, with their reprogramming crucial for effective wound healing.
• Current treatments for oral mucosa injuries require advanced strategies for stable macrophage modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an immuno-engineered hydrogel membrane for oral mucosa repair.
• To investigate the material's ability to reprogram macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and promote healing.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a GelMA hydrogel membrane incorporating nanoporous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for sustained release of soybean lecithin (SL) and IL-4 complexes.
• Utilized in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate the hydrogel membrane's efficacy in modulating macrophage behavior and promoting tissue regeneration.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel membrane successfully reprogrammed macrophages into anti-inflammatory M2Mφ, inhibiting excessive local inflammation.
• M2Mφ secretion of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) led to a 5.7-fold enhancement in neovascular maturation.
• Achieved rapid healing of oral mucosa tissue through modulated immune responses and improved vascularization.

Conclusions:

• The immuno-engineered hydrogel membrane effectively modulates macrophage function and promotes neovascularization for rapid mucosal tissue repair.
• This biomimetic material presents a promising and safe strategy for clinical translation in treating oral mucosal injuries.