Injectable dynamic hydrogel formed with oxidized dextran and lysozyme for endometrial repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Reproductive Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Endometrial injury is a major cause of female infertility.
• Current treatments for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) have significant limitations, including thrombosis, carcinogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, dynamic hydrogel for minimally invasive endometrial repair.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's therapeutic efficacy in combating infection and promoting regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of an injectable hydrogel from oxidized dextran and lysozyme.
• In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity and macrophage polarization modulation.
• In vivo evaluation of endometrial regeneration, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated tunable properties and rapid self-crosslinking upon injection.
• In vitro studies showed effective bacterial inhibition and M1 to M2 macrophage polarization.
• In vivo studies confirmed enhanced endometrial regeneration via reduced collagen deposition and increased angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel is a promising multifunctional platform for endometrial repair.
• This injectable biomaterial offers a minimally invasive approach to address female infertility due to endometrial injury.
• The hydrogel shows potential for clinical translation in reproductive medicine.