Injectable MXene-loaded decellularized pericardium hydrogels promote cardiac repair in rats with myocardial...

The present study explores the development and characterization of a thermosensitive composite hydrogel derived from decellularized bovine pericardium (DPC) and MXene nanosheets intended for myocardial repair applications. The hydrogels were prepared by integrating Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets into the DPC matrix, resulting in thermosensitive composite gels with varying MXene concentrations (0.1-0.8 %). Their properties were assessed in terms of the gelation kinetics, mechanical strength, conductivity, and biocompatibility. Our findings indicate that the incorporation of MXene significantly enhanced the storage modulus of the hydrogels, reduced the gelation time, and preserved the structural integrity. Electrical conductivity increased with MXene concentration, with DPC-0.8 %M achieving conductivity levels closely resembling those of the native myocardial tissue. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation using H9c2 cardiomyocytes demonstrated that MXene-containing DPC hydrogels supported high cell viability and promoted cell proliferation without significant toxicity. Intramyocardial injection of the DPC-0.8 %M hydrogel into the infarcted region of rats with myocardial infarction resulted in a notable improvement in cardiac function, significant thickening of the ventricular wall, and considerable enhancement in myocardial regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of DPC-0.8 %M hydrogels to augment myocardial repair by providing mechanical support, facilitating electrical conductivity, and supporting cellular survival, thereby offering a promising strategy for cardiac tissue engineering and repair following myocardial infarction.