Nanoparticle-Enhanced Injectable GelMA Composite Hydrogel for Gastrointestinal Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) wounds pose challenges for hemostasis and mucosal repair post-endoscopy.
• Existing treatments often struggle with effective bleeding control and sustained tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a photo-cross-linkable, nanoparticle-reinforced Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel for endoscopic GI wound management.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's hemostatic, adhesive, and regenerative properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a GelMA hydrogel reinforced with kaolinite nanoparticles.
• Blue-light activation for rapid photo-cross-linking into an adhesive layer.
• In vitro cytocompatibility and hemostasis assays.
• In vivo evaluation in rat skin wounds and porcine gastric ulcer models.

Main Results:

• The nanoparticle-reinforced GelMA hydrogel demonstrated enhanced injectability, structural integrity, and enzymatic resistance.
• Rapid cross-linking formed a uniform, adhesive layer conforming to wound surfaces.
• The composite hydrogel showed efficient hemostasis, cytocompatibility, and supported epithelial regeneration.
• In vivo studies confirmed accelerated wound closure and improved mucosal restoration compared to pristine GelMA.

Conclusions:

• The light-activated, mechanically robust GelMA composite is a promising platform for endoscopic GI lesion management.
• This injectable hydrogel offers a practical approach for rapid sealing, bleeding control, and tissue repair in minimally invasive procedures.