ROS-responsive adaptive injectable hydrogel promoting inflammatory mastoid bone repair through efficient...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Otology

Background:

• Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC) present significant clinical challenges in otology.
• Current treatments struggle to simultaneously address infection, inflammation, and bone defects in the middle ear, hindering surgical recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a functional, injectable, polysaccharide-based hydrogel for treating middle ear bone abnormalities.
• To create a cost-effective and clinically translatable material that enhances surgical recovery for CSOM and MEC patients.

Main Methods:

• A reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive, dynamic cross-linked hydrogel incorporating catechol groups was synthesized.
• Tannic acid-coated silver nanoparticles (TA@Ag NPs) were integrated for antibacterial properties.
• The hydrogel's tissue adaptability, mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and antioxidant properties were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The injectable hydrogel demonstrated excellent tissue adhesion and adaptability to irregular defects.
• The material exhibited potent antibacterial activity against opportunistic infections and reduced inflammation.
• The hydrogel promoted macrophage polarization and enhanced immune response, facilitating bone regeneration and reducing fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel is a versatile biomaterial for repairing mastoid bone defects associated with CSOM and MEC.
• This innovative hydrogel shows significant potential for improving treatment outcomes in chronic otitis media by addressing multiple pathological aspects.