Injectable ABA Triblock Copolyether Hydrogel for Dental Implant-Mediated Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Orthopedic Implants

Background:

• Developing localized drug delivery systems is crucial for effective anti-inflammatory therapy.
• Current methods often lack sustained release and precise control.
• Combining advanced materials with patient-specific implants offers a promising avenue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel implant-mediated drug delivery platform.
• To integrate dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded injectable hydrogels with 3D-printed titanium implants.
• To assess the platform's injectability, drug release kinetics, cytocompatibility, and in vivo efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized ABA-type triblock copolymers for injectable hydrogels via anionic ring-opening polymerization.
• Optimized hydrogel viscoelasticity for shear-thinning and recovery properties.
• Incorporated hydrogels into customized 3D-printed titanium implants with engineered release geometries.
• Conducted in vitro cytocompatibility assays and drug release studies.
• Performed in vivo evaluation in a rabbit mandibular model.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel viscoelasticity was optimized by tailoring block lengths, enabling injectability and recovery.
• Controlled dexamethasone release was achieved through engineered implant cavities and hole geometries.
• In vitro studies confirmed cytocompatibility and effective suppression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6).
• In vivo evaluation demonstrated surgical feasibility, mechanical integrity, and sustained drug release.

Conclusions:

• The developed platform successfully integrates injectable hydrogels with 3D-printed titanium implants for localized drug delivery.
• The system provides controlled, sustained release of dexamethasone, demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects.
• This approach holds significant translational potential for patient-specific orthopedic applications.