Multifunctional injectable chitosan-based adhesive enhanced by limited oxidation for assisting bone grafting

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Molded bone implants for critical defects face challenges like loosening, poor fit, infection, and inflammation.
• Existing treatments require improvement for better integration and reduced complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, adhesive, multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel (OCCL) for bone defect repair.
• To enhance bone implant integration and promote bone regeneration using a novel material.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of OCCL hydrogel via limited oxidation of catechol-chitosan (CC) within layered nanoclay (LAP).
• Evaluation of hydrogel properties including adhesion, antioxidant, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity.
• In vitro and in vivo studies to assess cell behavior, angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone regeneration.

Main Results:

• OCCL hydrogels exhibited high adhesive strength, underwater adhesion, antioxidant, biodegradable, and antibacterial properties.
• The hydrogel effectively promoted cell growth, adhesion, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis.
• In vivo analysis demonstrated successful facilitation of bone regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Limited oxidation strategy provides a safe and easy-to-process method for developing injectable, multifunctional adhesives.
• OCCL hydrogels represent a promising solution for reliable bone grafts and treating critical bone defects.