Dual-Targeted Metal Ion Network Hydrogel Scaffold for Promoting the Integrated Repair of Tendon-Bone Interfaces.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• The tendon-bone interface possesses a complex gradient structure crucial for mechanical function.
• Injuries to this interface, particularly affecting tendon and cartilage, impede complete structural restoration.
• Current treatments struggle to fully regenerate the native gradient tissue architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-targeted metal ion network hydrogel scaffold for integrated regeneration of the tendon-bone interface.
• To investigate the targeted delivery and release of specific metal ions (zinc and magnesium) to promote tendon and cartilage repair, respectively.
• To evaluate the scaffold's potential for synchronized multitissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel scaffold via photopolymerization incorporating peptide-modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (LZIF-8) and magnesium metal-organic framework (WMg-MOF).
• Utilized LHERHLNNN and WYRGRL peptides for targeted migration of LZIF-8 to tendon and WMg-MOF to cartilage.
• Employed infrared spectroscopy to confirm peptide modification and fluorescence imaging to assess scaffold retention and targeting efficacy.

Main Results:

• Successful construction of a dual-targeted metal ion network hydrogel scaffold capable of directional metal ion migration.
• LZIF-8 released zinc ions to enhance collagen secretion and promote tendon repair.
• WMg-MOF released magnesium ions to induce cell differentiation and facilitate cartilage regeneration.
• Demonstrated longer retention of the LZIF-8/WMg-MOF scaffold at the tendon-bone interface, confirming targeted delivery.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-targeted metal ion network hydrogel scaffold enables synchronized multitissue regeneration at the tendon-bone interface.
• This scaffold shows significant potential for the integrated reconstruction of gradient tissues, addressing limitations of current regenerative strategies.
• Offers promising prospects for treating injuries affecting the complex tendon-bone interface structure.