Dynamic linking bone ECM-mimic hydrogel for anti-inflammatory therapy of cranial defect

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cranial defect repair faces challenges like poor regeneration, infection, and inflammation.
• Conventional grafts and implants often exhibit inadequate host integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an extracellular matrix-mimicking hydrogel for cranial defect repair.
• To synchronize angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and immunomodulation using dynamic chemistry and sacrificial prevascularization.

Main Methods:

• Functionalized hyaluronic acid (HACys) crosslinked with allicin to create a viscoadaptive network.
• VEGF-loaded collagen threads as sacrificial templates for prevascularization (HACys-VEGF@Coll-A).
• In vitro assessment of cytocompatibility, vascularization, osteogenesis, and immunomodulation.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel composite showed excellent cytocompatibility and enhanced endothelial cell viability.
• VEGF-presenting constructs promoted endothelial tube formation and osteogenic gene expression in BMSCs.
• Macrophages shifted to a pro-resolution phenotype, decreasing TNF-α and increasing IL-10.

Conclusions:

• HACys-VEGF@Coll-A acts as a dynamic scaffold integrating vascularization, osteogenesis, and immunomodulation.
• This approach addresses key barriers in cranial defect repair.
• Further in vivo studies are warranted to evaluate release kinetics, channel architecture, and mechanics.