Application of an Injectable Thermosensitive Hydrogel Drug Delivery System for Degenerated Intervertebral Disc...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration involves chronic inflammation and an imbalance in nucleus pulposus (NP) homeostasis.
• Polyphenols like tannic acid (TA) and resveratrol (Res) show anti-inflammatory potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, temperature-sensitive hydrogel for localized, sustained delivery of TA and Res to treat intervertebral disc degeneration.
• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of the hydrogel drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

• Designed a PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel for temperature-sensitive, in situ gelation.
• Incorporated TA directly and Res indirectly via inflammation-responsive nanoparticles.
• Assessed injectability, gelation, drug release kinetics, and in vitro/in vivo efficacy.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated excellent injectability and rapid in situ gelation.
• Achieved rapid release of TA and sustained release of Res.
• In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the system's effectiveness in reducing inflammation and promoting NP extracellular matrix regeneration.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel system offers a promising approach for localized and sustained co-delivery of TA and Res.
• This strategy effectively combats inflammation and enhances regeneration in degenerated intervertebral discs.