Characterization of Thermoresponsive Methylcellulose-Based Injectable Hydrogels Incorporating 58S Bioactive Glass for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Bone fractures are a major health issue, especially for aging populations.
• Existing injectable systems lack optimal handling and bioactivity for bone regeneration.
• There is a need for advanced carriers for minimally invasive bone repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel injectable triple-polymeric hydrogel for bioactive glass delivery.
• To assess the physicochemical, rheological, and biological properties of the developed hydrogel.
• To evaluate the potential of this hydrogel as a carrier for non-load-bearing bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Design of Experiments (DoE) was used to optimize a blend of methylcellulose, xanthan gum, and pullulan.
• Comprehensive characterization included rheology, injectability, mechanical testing, swelling, degradation, thermal stability, and morphology.
• Preliminary biological screening involved cytotoxicity assays with L929 fibroblasts and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).

Main Results:

• The hydrogel exhibited precise gelation near physiological temperatures and high postinjection stability (>80% viscosity recovery).
• Formulations displayed pseudoplastic behavior suitable for injectable delivery and an ultrasoft nature (∼0.01 kPa compressive modulus).
• No cytotoxicity was observed, and increasing bioglass content influenced degradation and porous morphology.

Conclusions:

• A novel, injectable hydrogel carrier was successfully developed for bioactive glass delivery.
• The material demonstrates suitable properties for minimally invasive application in non-load-bearing bone regeneration.
• This smart hydrogel platform offers a promising approach for advanced bone tissue repair strategies.