Elastic Macroporous Matrix-Supported In Situ Formation of Injectable Extracellular Matrix-Like Hydrogel for Carrying...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Hydrogels loaded with biologics are promising for regenerative medicine but face challenges with biologic bioactivity loss and injectable hydrogel limitations.
• Injectable hydrogels present a trade-off between rapid gelation (hindering injection) and slow gelation (causing solution leakage).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an affinity hydrogel by combining a pre-formed elastic macroporous matrix with an injectable hydrogel for improved biologic delivery.
• To overcome the limitations of current hydrogel systems for loading and delivering sensitive biologics like growth factors and living cells.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a pre-formed elastic macroporous hydrogel matrix with an injectable hydrogel system.
• Loading of growth factors and/or living cells into the composite hydrogel structure.
• Utilizing aptamers for stable sequestration and sustained release of growth factors.

Main Results:

• The macroporous hydrogel matrix effectively holds large volumes for in situ injectable hydrogel formation.
• Composite hydrogels support the proliferation of loaded living cells.
• Aptamer functionalization ensures stable growth factor sequestration and sustained release.
• Co-loaded cells and growth factors promote cell proliferation in reduced serum conditions.

Conclusions:

• A macroporous and elastic matrix-supported formation of aptamer-functionalized injectable hydrogels is a viable strategy for biologic carriers.
• This approach offers a promising solution for overcoming challenges in biologic stability and controlled release in regenerative medicine.
• The developed hydrogel system demonstrates potential for enhanced cell viability and therapeutic factor delivery.