Adaptive hydrogel platform for nitric oxide release and post-infarction cardiac microenvironment modulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, hindering cardiac tissue regeneration.
• Existing multifunctional hydrogels lack precise therapeutic regulation and synergistic effects for MI treatment.
• Developing advanced hydrogel platforms is crucial for effective post-infarction cardiac repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an adaptive hydrogel platform for targeted nitric oxide (NO) release and cardiac microenvironment modulation post-MI.
• To address limitations in precise therapeutic regulation and synergistic effects of current hydrogel systems.
• To create a novel strategy for overcoming challenges in different pathological stages of infarcted cardiac environments.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel four-arm phenylboronic acid-based cross-linker (N(BA)4).
• Prepared a hydrogel platform by combining N(BA)4 with Nitroso glutathione (GSNO)-modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
• Incorporated bioactive microspheres for programmed, multi-stage drug delivery of salvianolic acid B and Galunsertib.

Main Results:

• The composite hydrogel system demonstrated pathologically responsive behavior for precise MI therapy.
• Achieved cascade-triggered drug release, enabling synergistic multi-pathway therapeutic effects.
• Successfully modulated the cardiac microenvironment, promoting tissue regeneration and inhibiting fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• The developed adaptive hydrogel platform offers a promising strategy for precise and efficient MI therapy.
• The system effectively manages different pathological stages in the infarcted cardiac microenvironment.
• This novel approach enhances cardiac repair through targeted NO release and synergistic drug delivery.