Dual-Functionalized Injectable pH-Responsive Hydrogels Loaded with Magnesium Peroxide for the Treatment of...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Implant-associated infections pose significant challenges in orthopedic surgery, often leading to antibiotic resistance and bone defects.
• Current treatments like antibiotics and debridement have limitations in addressing these complex infections.
• Developing smart materials that respond to the infection environment is crucial for effective treatment and bone repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel self-healing and pH-responsive hydrogel for treating implant-associated infections.
• To investigate the antimicrobial and pro-osteogenic properties of the GelBA/PVA/MgO2 hydrogel.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a GelBA/PVA/MgO2 hydrogel using gelatin, benzeneboronic acid, poly(vinyl alcohol), and magnesium peroxide.
• Characterization of the hydrogel's self-healing and pH-responsive properties.
• Assessment of controlled hydrogen peroxide and magnesium ion release at physiological and infection pH levels.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and bone regeneration potential.

Main Results:

• The GelBA/PVA/MgO2 hydrogel demonstrated self-healing and pH-responsive characteristics.
• Sustained release of hydrogen peroxide and magnesium ions was observed, with significantly higher release at infection pH (5.5) compared to physiological pH (7.4).
• The hydrogel effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth in vitro and in vivo, while also accelerating bone regeneration and improving bone healing without cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• The GelBA/PVA/MgO2 hydrogel presents a promising, multi-functional approach for managing implant-associated infections.
• Its pH-responsive drug release and pro-osteogenic properties offer a novel strategy for infection control and bone defect repair.
• This hydrogel represents an efficient therapeutic option for orthopedic infections, enhancing bone healing outcomes.