Injectable composite microspheres/hydrogel membranes for Achilles tendon regeneration
Meng Yang1,2,3, Chong Zhang1,2,3, Bo-Yun Lu1,2,3
1Department of Sports Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
Materials Today. Bio
|August 4, 2025
Summary
This study developed injectable microspheres and membranes to improve tendon healing after rupture. The combination promotes regeneration and prevents adhesions, potentially reducing re-rupture rates in patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Tendon rupture requires surgical repair, but poor healing leads to low-quality tissue and high re-rupture rates.
- Tendon healing relies on endogenous and exogenous mechanisms, with imbalance causing adhesions and impacting efficacy.
- Current treatments lack strategies to simultaneously enhance healing quality and prevent adhesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design an injectable composite system for enhanced tendon healing and anti-adhesion.
- To combine Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and fibronectin (Fn) loaded methacryloyl gelatin (GelMA) microspheres with a hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) membrane.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this composite system in an Achilles tendon rupture model.
Main Methods:
- Development of GelMA microspheres loaded with PDGF-BB and Fn for sustained release.
- Fabrication of an anti-adhesion HAMA hydrogel membrane.
- Assessment of the composite system in an Achilles tendon rupture animal model.
- Evaluation of tendon healing quality, biomechanical properties, and adhesion formation.
Main Results:
- The composite system demonstrated potential for promoting tendon regeneration.
- The HAMA membrane effectively inhibited postoperative adhesions.
- Improved biomechanical properties of the repaired tendon were observed.
Conclusions:
- The injectable GelMA microsphere/HAMA membrane composite system shows promise for enhancing tendon repair and preventing adhesions.
- This approach offers a potential new strategy to improve clinical outcomes for tendon rupture.
- Further investigation is warranted to translate this technology to clinical applications.
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