Nano-enzymatic functionalized dual network hydrogel promotes tendon repair by modulating the inflammatory cycle and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Tendon injuries often result in adhesions post-repair, causing limb dysfunction.
• Key factors in tendon healing complications include reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation, and type III collagen deposition.
• Imbalance between extrinsic and intrinsic healing pathways contributes to peritendinous adhesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel therapeutic system for reducing peritendinous adhesions after tendon repair.
• To investigate the efficacy of a nano-enzyme-functionalized hydrogel in promoting tendon healing.

Main Methods:

• A dual network hydrogel (polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol - PVA/PEG) was fabricated.
• Zeolite imidazolium ester framework-8@CeO2 nano-enzymes (ZIF-8@CeO2) were loaded into the hydrogel to create the PVA/PEG/ZIF-8@CeO2 therapeutic system.
• The system's ability to inhibit adhesion formation and promote healing was evaluated.

Main Results:

• The PVA/PEG/ZIF-8@CeO2 hydrogel surface forms a hydrated layer inhibiting fibrin and fibroblast adhesion.
• Loaded ZIF-8@CeO2 nano-enzymes exhibit catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reducing ROS and inflammation.
• The system enhanced tendon stem cell differentiation and promoted intrinsic tendon healing, accelerating the healing process.

Conclusions:

• The PVA/PEG/ZIF-8@CeO2 therapeutic system offers a promising strategy for mitigating peritendinous adhesions.
• This novel approach effectively promotes injured tendon repair by balancing healing pathways and reducing inflammation.