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Injectable, Antioxidative, and Tissue-Adhesive Nanocomposite Hydrogel as a Potential Treatment for Inner Retina
Yi-Chen Liu1, Yi-Ke Lin2, Yu-Ting Lin1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|January 17, 2024
Summary
This study developed an injectable antioxidant hydrogel (Cur@PDA@GelCA) to protect retinal tissue from oxidative stress and inner retinal injuries. The novel material shows promise for neuroprotection in conditions like glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute significantly to inner retinal injuries, including optic neuropathies.
- Oxidative stress plays a critical role in retinal tissue damage.
- Current treatments for ROS-related retinal injuries require innovative solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an injectable, tissue-adhesive hydrogel with antioxidant properties for retinal applications.
- To create a multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel incorporating curcumin-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (Cur@PDA NPs) into a gelatin-modified hydrogel (GelCA).
- To evaluate the biocompatibility, tissue adhesion, and neuroprotective potential of the Cur@PDA@GelCA hydrogel in retinal injury models.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of GelCA hydrogel with photo-crosslinkable and injectable properties.
- Incorporation of curcumin-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (Cur@PDA NPs) into the GelCA matrix to form Cur@PDA@GelCA.
- In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessments.
- Evaluation of tissue adhesion in an in vivo model.
- Intravitreal injection of Cur@PDA@GelCA in optic nerve crush models to assess oxidative stress mitigation.
Main Results:
- Cur@PDA@GelCA hydrogel demonstrated excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.
- Enhanced tissue adhesion was observed in an in vivo model.
- The hydrogel effectively mitigated oxidative stress when administered via intravitreal injection in retinal injury models.
- Cur@PDA@GelCA showed potential for acute neuroprotection.
Conclusions:
- The developed Cur@PDA@GelCA hydrogel is a promising injectable and tissue-adhesive material for retinal applications.
- This nanocomposite hydrogel effectively combats oxidative stress and offers neuroprotection in inner retinal injury models.
- Cur@PDA@GelCA represents an innovative strategy for advancing retinal tissue engineering and treating acute neurodegenerative conditions.
