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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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A Hydrogel Construct and Fibrin-based Glue Approach to Deliver Therapeutics in a Murine Myocardial Infarction Model.
Published on: June 14, 2015
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ROS-responsive hydrogel patch orchestrating macrophage reprogramming and mitochondrial protection for post-MI repair
Minying Li1,2, Qinghe Wu3,4, Weipeng Sun5
1State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
Bioactive Materials
|February 23, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel hydrogel patch delivering salvianolic acid B (DB) to repair heart damage after myocardial infarction (MI). The patch releases DB in response to oxidative stress, improving cardiac function and reducing fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) causes irreversible heart damage, leading to heart failure.
- Salvianolic acid B (DB) shows therapeutic potential for MI but suffers from poor bioavailability.
- Current treatments for MI have limitations in addressing cardiac remodeling and functional recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an injectable, ROS-responsive hydrogel patch for localized delivery of salvianolic acid B (DB) to repair myocardial infarction (MI) damage.
- To overcome the bioavailability limitations of DB for effective MI treatment.
- To establish a rational design strategy for responsive drug delivery systems in cardiac repair.
Main Methods:
- Network pharmacology analysis identified DB as a potential MI therapeutic.
- Developed a hydrogel patch using whey protein isolate methacrylate (WPI-MA) and hyaluronic acid (HA-NB).
- Encapsulated DB in ROS-sensitive liposomes within the hydrogel for targeted release in the oxidative MI microenvironment.
- Evaluated hydrogel properties (mechanical strength, adhesiveness, antioxidant capacity) *in vitro* and therapeutic efficacy in a murine MI model.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel patch demonstrated biocompatibility, mechanical strength, myocardial adhesiveness, and sustained antioxidant capacity *in vitro*.
- In a murine MI model, the hydrogel patch significantly attenuated cardiac fibrosis.
- The treatment promoted angiogenesis and restored cardiac function post-MI.
Conclusions:
- The developed ROS-responsive hydrogel patch is a promising system for localized and sustained drug delivery for post-infarction cardiac repair.
- This approach integrates network pharmacology-based drug discovery with advanced biomaterial design for effective therapeutic outcomes.
- The study provides a viable strategy for overcoming drug bioavailability issues and enhancing cardiac repair after MI.
