A zwitterionic dual-network hydrogel patch with anti-inflammatory properties for efficient peritoneal adhesion...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a common complication after abdominal surgery, leading to significant morbidity.
• Current adhesion prevention strategies have limitations, necessitating the development of novel solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a dual-network hydrogel patch (GPSB) for effective prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.
• To investigate the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mechanical properties of the GPSB hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dual-network hydrogel by interpenetrating gelatin and polysulfobetaine (PSB) networks.
• Dynamic crosslinking of the gelatin network using zinc ion-polyphenol coordination.
• In situ polymerization of the PSB network within the gelatin matrix.
• Assessment of mechanical properties (Young's modulus, shear strength) and protein adsorption resistance.
• Evaluation of antibacterial activity and modulation of macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses.

Main Results:

• The GPSB hydrogel exhibited enhanced mechanical integrity with a Young's modulus of 97.7 ± 5.2 kPa and shear strength of 28.5 kPa.
• The PSB component significantly reduced nonspecific protein adsorption (46-fold) and inflammatory cytokine secretion (approx. 70%).
• The hydrogel demonstrated inherent antibacterial and pro-healing activities, alongside effective peritoneal adhesion prevention in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

• The GPSB dual-network hydrogel patch is a promising multifunctional biomaterial for preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions.
• Its synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties offer robust protection against surgical complications.
• This study presents a next-generation anti-adhesion biomaterial with potential for clinical translation.