Polyphenol-Derived Nanoarmor-Functionalized Photothermal Hydrogel Platform for Programmed Modulation of the...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Diabetic bone defects present a significant clinical challenge requiring advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Current treatments often fall short in orchestrating the complex microenvironment needed for effective bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional hydrogel system for programmed regulation of the bone regeneration microenvironment.
• To investigate the combined effects of polyphenol-derived black phosphorus and mild photothermal therapy for enhanced bone healing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of black phosphorus (BP)-based multifunctional hydrogels using metal-phenol coordination chemistry.
• In vitro biological experiments and RNA sequencing analysis to assess osteogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Evaluation of hydrogel microstructure, mechanical properties, and photothermal effects.

Main Results:

• Polyphenol-derived BP nanosheets demonstrated significant osteogenic, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The hydrogel hybrids exhibited a bone extracellular matrix-like porous microstructure with excellent injectability and biodegradability.
• Combined therapy effectively modulated the immune microenvironment, alleviated oxidative stress, and promoted angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Polyphenol-derived multifunctional hydrogels combined with mild photothermal therapy offer a promising strategy for diabetic bone defect treatment.
• The system enables on-demand antioxidation, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling for controlled tissue regeneration.
• This platform holds significant potential for complex bone defect healing and reconstruction.