Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

10:28
An Injectable and Drug-loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel for Local Catheter Injection into the Pig Heart
Published on: June 7, 2015
17.3K
Catheter Injectable Multifunctional Biomaterial for the Treatment of Infected Enterocutaneous Fistulas
Jinjoo Kim1, Zefu Zhang1, Hassan Albadawi1
1The Laboratory for Patient-Inspired Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|February 14, 2025
Summary
A novel hydrogel, 18NC75-10P-1IL, effectively treats enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) by promoting healing and fighting resistant infections. This biomaterial shows promise for clinical application in ECF management.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) present significant treatment challenges, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
- Antibiotic-resistant infections and chronic inflammation complicate conventional ECF treatment.
- There is a critical need for innovative biomaterials to manage ECF effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multi-functional hydrogel, 18NC75-10P-1IL, for the treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas.
- To assess the injectability, mechanical properties, pro-healing, and antimicrobial efficacy of the engineered hydrogel.
- To determine the biocompatibility and therapeutic potential of 18NC75-10P-1IL in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a shear-thinning hydrogel (18NC75-10P-1IL) using gelatin, nanosilicates, an ionic liquid, and platelet-rich fibrin fraction.
- Characterization of mechanical properties for catheter injectability and durable occlusion.
- In vitro antimicrobial testing against patient-derived, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- In vivo evaluation in subcutaneous implantation and anorectal fistula models.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel 18NC75-10P-1IL exhibited tailored mechanical properties for effective catheter injection and fistula occlusion.
- Demonstrated significant pro-healing effects and potent antimicrobial activity against resistant ECF-associated bacteria.
- Preclinical models confirmed biocompatibility, pro-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Conclusions:
- The multi-functional hydrogel 18NC75-10P-1IL is a promising candidate for the clinical treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas.
- Its unique composition addresses key challenges in ECF management, including infection and impaired healing.
- Further clinical translation is warranted based on its demonstrated efficacy and safety in preclinical studies.
Related Concept Videos
Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
Parenteral drug delivery systems play a crucial role in modern therapeutics by enabling the direct administration of drugs into the systemic circulation, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. These systems are particularly valuable for poorly absorbed oral medications that are unstable in the digestive environment or require rapid onset or sustained therapeutic levels. Delivery is achieved through intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes, each selected based on the drug's properties...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...

