Microfluidic-engineering Prussian blue hydrogel microspheres for enhanced osteoarthritis antioxidant therapy
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Wangrui Peng1, Jie Lan1, MeeiChyn Goh2
1Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, the Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China; Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China (Hunan Provincial Veterans Administration Hospital), Changsha, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disorder and leading cause of global disabilty, imposes substantial societal and familial burdens. Current antioxidant therapies for OA are hindered by poor targeting and transient efficacy, failing to address the excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven pathogenesis. Herein, we innovatively integrate Prussian blue (PB) nanozymes with alginate-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel microspheres through microfluidic engineering, creating the injectable AlgHA@PB platform that synergizes dual therapeutic mechanisms: ROS scavenging and oxygen generation via PB nanozymes, and sustained intra-articular retention and mechanical compatibility enabled by the hydrogel microsphere architecture. In vitro studies demonstrated that AlgHA@PB scavenged all of intracellular ROS while continuously releasing oxygen within. In a rat OA model, AlgHA@PB exhibited prolonged joint retention and reduced cartilage degeneration. Critically, the microspheres demonstrated a stable friction coefficient, enabling smooth intra-articular motion without mechanical irritation. This study establishes AlgHA@PB as a multifunctional OA therapeutic platform that integrates antioxidative defense, anti-inflammatory action, and biomechanical compatibility. The microfluidic-engineered design ensures scalable production, aligning with clinical translation requirements.
Insights
This study introduces AlgHA@PB, an injectable hydrogel microsphere platform that effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generates oxygen to treat osteoarthritis (OA). The novel therapy shows promise for improved joint health and function.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease causing significant disability, with current treatments limited by poor targeting and efficacy against reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Excessive ROS drives OA pathogenesis, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies that can effectively neutralize these damaging molecules within the joint.
- Existing antioxidant therapies often lack sustained action and fail to address the biomechanical aspects of joint health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an injectable therapeutic platform, AlgHA@PB, for osteoarthritis treatment by combining Prussian blue (PB) nanozymes with alginate-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel microspheres.
- To investigate the dual therapeutic mechanisms of ROS scavenging and oxygen generation by PB nanozymes within the hydrogel microsphere architecture.
- To evaluate the sustained intra-articular retention, biomechanical compatibility, and therapeutic efficacy of the AlgHA@PB platform in an OA model.
Main Methods:
- Microfluidic engineering was employed to integrate Prussian blue (PB) nanozymes with alginate-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel microspheres, creating the AlgHA@PB platform.
- In vitro assessments were conducted to evaluate the ROS scavenging capacity and oxygen release profile of AlgHA@PB.
- An in vivo rat osteoarthritis model was utilized to assess joint retention, cartilage degeneration, and biomechanical properties following AlgHA@PB administration.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies confirmed that AlgHA@PB completely scavenged intracellular ROS and continuously released oxygen.
- The AlgHA@PB platform demonstrated prolonged retention within the joint in a rat OA model.
- Treatment with AlgHA@PB led to reduced cartilage degeneration and maintained a stable friction coefficient, ensuring smooth joint motion without mechanical irritation.
Conclusions:
- The AlgHA@PB platform offers a multifunctional approach to osteoarthritis therapy, combining potent antioxidative defense, oxygen generation, and favorable biomechanical properties.
- The microfluidic-engineered design facilitates scalable production, supporting the clinical translation of this innovative OA therapeutic.
- AlgHA@PB represents a promising advancement in osteoarthritis treatment, addressing key pathological mechanisms and improving joint function.
