A Biocompatible CMCHMA/F127DA Hydrogel with ROS-Scavenging Activity Prevents Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions
Zhen Xia1, Weixue Wang1, Lei He1
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Afliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Minde Road No. 1, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
ACS Omega
|April 6, 2026
Summary
A new composite hydrogel effectively prevents postoperative peritoneal adhesions by mimicking tissue mechanics and reducing inflammation. This innovative material offers a promising solution for abdominal surgery complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Postoperative peritoneal adhesions (PPA) are a common surgical complication with limited effective prevention strategies.
- Current treatments for PPA often fall short, highlighting an unmet clinical need for novel anti-adhesion therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel carboxymethyl chitosan methacryloyl (CMCHMA)/Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA) composite hydrogel for preventing PPA.
- To assess the hydrogel's mechanical properties, biocompatibility, safety, and anti-adhesion efficacy in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of the CMCHMA/F127DA hydrogel via photo-cross-linking.
- Characterization of mechanical properties (tensile modulus, shear strength) and gelation time.
- In vitro biocompatibility testing using NIH-3T3 cells.
- In vivo safety evaluation in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Assessment of anti-adhesion efficacy using a rat cecal abrasion model, followed by histological and molecular analyses.
Main Results:
- The CMCHMA/F127DA hydrogel demonstrated mechanical properties matching soft tissues (43 kPa tensile modulus, 56 kPa shear strength) and rapid gelation (5-10 s).
- Excellent in vitro biocompatibility (cell viability >95%) and in vivo safety were confirmed.
- The hydrogel significantly reduced intra-abdominal adhesions in rats, inhibiting inflammation, collagen deposition, and myofibroblast activation.
- Mechanism of action involved ROS scavenging and modulation of the NF-κB pathway, balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusions:
- The CMCHMA/F127DA hydrogel presents a mechanically adaptable, rapidly gelling, and biocompatible solution for PPA prevention.
- Its dual anti-adhesion mechanism, combining physical barrier effects with inflammation and fibrosis regulation, shows significant clinical translation potential.
- This novel hydrogel offers a safe and effective approach to mitigate postoperative peritoneal adhesions.
