Injectable Self-Polymerizing Hydrogel as Bone Filler for Bone Defect Treatment.
Xiaozhuo Wu1, Jianqiu Yang2,3, Shuai Fan2,3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|October 13, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an injectable silver nanoparticle-catalyzed gel for bone repair. The novel biomaterial effectively eliminates infection and significantly accelerates bone regeneration in defect models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(methylemethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement has limitations including leakage, toxicity, infection risk, and poor porous structure.
- Existing bone defect treatments require improvement in biocompatibility and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an injectable, biocompatible gel for bone defect treatment.
- To create a material that promotes bone regeneration and eliminates infection.
- To utilize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a catalyst for in situ polymerization.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of an injectable gel using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and methacrylated chitosan (ChiMA).
- Incorporation of mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) immobilized on micro hydroxyapatite (HA) as a catalyst.
- Evaluation of the gel's polymerization, anti-infection properties, and bone regeneration capacity in infected skull models.
Main Results:
- The Ag-PDA-HA catalyzed GelMA/ChiMA gel demonstrated tunable gelation time.
- Complete elimination of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection was observed after two months.
- Significant increase in bone volume fraction (49.9%) and enhanced bone maturation compared to control groups.
Conclusions:
- The developed injectable gel offers fast polymerization and potent anti-infection capabilities.
- This novel biomaterial effectively accelerates bone regeneration in infected bone defects.
- The study presents a promising alternative to conventional PMMA bone cements.
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