Enhanced ROS scavenging and tissue adhesive abilities in injectable hydrogels by protein modification with...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are crucial for postsurgical treatment, aiding wound closure and tissue regeneration.
• Existing tissue adhesives often lack sufficient wet adhesion or immunomodulatory capabilities.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation can impede healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel injectable hydrogels with enhanced tissue adhesion and immunomodulatory properties.
• To investigate the ROS scavenging ability of polyamine-modified gelatin.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's performance in wet environments and its impact on inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized polyamine-modified gelatin crosslinked with 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol).
• Assessed ROS scavenging capacity and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B translocation.
• Evaluated tissue adhesive strength on collagen and porcine small intestine tissue.
• Measured suppression of proinflammatory cytokine secretion from macrophages.

Main Results:

• Polyamine-modified gelatin effectively scavenged ROS and inhibited nuclear factor kappa-B.
• The developed hydrogels demonstrated potent suppression of proinflammatory cytokine secretion.
• Enhanced tissue adhesive strength was observed, particularly in wet conditions.
• Hydrogels showed superior performance compared to conventional medical materials.

Conclusions:

• The novel polyamine-modified gelatin-based hydrogels offer significant improvements in tissue adhesion and immunomodulation.
• These hydrogels effectively scavenge ROS, reduce inflammation, and provide strong adhesion in wet surgical environments.
• This technology presents a promising advancement for minimally invasive surgery and improved patient outcomes.