A Bioinspired Injectable, Adhesive, and Self-Healing Hydrogel with Dual Hybrid Network for Neural Regeneration after...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Hydrogel scaffolds show potential for neural regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Existing hydrogels face challenges with poor mechanical strength and limited host tissue integration.
• A need exists for advanced hydrogel platforms to overcome these limitations in SCI repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioinspired, injectable, and self-healing hydrogel for enhanced neural regeneration post-SCI.
• To improve mechanical properties and host tissue integration of regenerative scaffolds.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's efficacy in promoting neural repair and functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel using dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-grafted chitosan and a designer peptide.
• Assessment of hydrogel properties including injectability, self-healing, and tissue adhesion.
• In vivo evaluation of the hydrogel's impact on immune response, axon regrowth, synapse formation, and myelin regeneration.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogel demonstrated superior immune response modulation and axon regrowth compared to conventional hydrogels.
• Significant promotion of synapse formation and myelin regeneration was observed.
• Enhanced functional recovery, including motor and sensory function, and notably, bladder defect repair.

Conclusions:

• The DOPA-chitosan/peptide hydrogel is a promising injectable scaffold for neural regeneration after SCI.
• The material facilitates nerve repair by modulating immune responses, promoting axon growth, and enhancing myelin formation.
• This versatile hydrogel strategy holds significant potential for SCI treatment and broader biomedical applications.