Concrete Structure Inspired 3D-Printed Framework Mechanically Reinforced Zwitterionic Hydrogel for Efficient...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Zwitterionic hydrogels show promise for preventing abdominal adhesion.
• Clinical translation is limited by mechanical fragility and structural instability.
• A concrete-inspired composite approach is explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mechanically robust and structurally stable zwitterionic lubricating hydrogel.
• To enhance the anti-adhesion properties of zwitterionic hydrogels for clinical applications.
• To investigate the efficacy of a 3D-printed framework-reinforced hydrogel (3DF-LH) in preventing postoperative abdominal adhesion.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3DF-LH by infiltrating a GelMA and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) precursor into a 3D-printed PCL framework (3DF) followed by UV curing.
• In vitro assessment of structural stability, mechanical robustness, and biocompatibility.
• In vivo evaluation in an SD rat cecal-abdominal wall postoperative adhesion model.

Main Results:

• The 3DF-LH composite demonstrated superior structural stability and mechanical robustness.
• In vitro studies showed suppressed fibroblast adhesion and good biocompatibility.
• In vivo, 3DF-LH effectively inhibited abdominal adhesion by attenuating the inflammatory microenvironment and suppressing the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3DF-LH effectively addresses the mechanical limitations of zwitterionic hydrogels.
• This composite hydrogel exhibits significant potential for clinical translation in preventing abdominal adhesion.
• The framework reinforcement strategy offers a viable path for improving hydrogel performance.