A motion-responsive injectable lubricative hydrogel for efficient Achilles tendon adhesion prevention.
Shujie Cheng1, Jihong Yang1, Jianguo Song1
1Basic Research Key Laboratory of General Surgery for Digital Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, 071000, China.
Materials Today. Bio
|January 27, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an injectable lubricative hydrogel (ILH) that prevents Achilles tendon adhesion. This novel biomaterial promotes tendon healing by utilizing hydration lubrication and motion-responsive properties, offering a new approach for tendon repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Achilles tendon rupture often leads to tissue adhesion during repair.
- There is a critical need for advanced biomaterials that are motion-responsive and anti-adhesive for effective tendon repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an injectable lubricative hydrogel (ILH) for preventing Achilles tendon adhesion.
- To assess the motion-responsive and anti-adhesive properties of ILH for promoting tendon healing.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of ILH using FTIR, rheological measurements, and tribological tests.
- In vitro evaluation of cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility.
- In vivo assessment in a rat Achilles tendon rupture and repair model.
Main Results:
- ILH demonstrated successful preparation, lubrication, and sol-gel reversible properties.
- ILH exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility.
- In vivo studies showed ILH significantly prevented tendon adhesion and promoted healing by inhibiting the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway.
Conclusions:
- The developed ILH is a promising injectable, motion-responsive, and anti-adhesive biomaterial for Achilles tendon repair.
- ILH effectively reduces post-rupture adhesion and enhances tendon healing.
- This work paves the way for adhesion-free tendon repair strategies.
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