Cascade-Responsive MXene@Cu-MOF Heterostructure Integrates Antioxidant Activity, Infection Control, and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Extensive tracheal repair faces challenges including oxidative damage, infection, and poor vascularization, hindering cartilage development.
• Current strategies lack integrated approaches to address multiple repair barriers simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cascade-responsive MXene@Cu-MOF/GelMA hydrogel platform for staged tracheal repair.
• To investigate the integrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and pro-angiogenic properties of the developed hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 2D/3D MXene@Cu-MOF heterostructures within GelMA hydrogels.
• In situ characterization of material properties and staged release mechanisms.
• In vivo evaluation in a rabbit extensive tracheal defect model, including histological and RNA-seq analysis.

Main Results:

• The MXene@Cu-MOF/GelMA hydrogel demonstrated staged release of Cu2+ ions triggered by pH and near-infrared light, coupled with photothermal effects.
• In vivo studies showed improved airway patency, reduced infection, and enhanced regeneration of epithelium, vasculature, and cartilage.
• RNA-seq analysis confirmed suppressed inflammation and enriched pro-regenerative pathways.

Conclusions:

• The developed cascade platform effectively integrates antioxidant, antibacterial, and vascularization strategies for advanced tracheal repair.
• This approach offers a clinically translatable solution for extensive tracheal defects by promoting comprehensive tissue regeneration.