Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel embedding lignin-modified PLGA microspheres enables sustained lidocaine release...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Malignant ventricular arrhythmias (MVA) post myocardial infarction (MI) are a major cause of sudden cardiac death.
• Sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation is critical in MVA development after MI.
• Current stellate ganglion blocks offer only transient relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, thermosensitive hydrogel-microsphere system for sustained lidocaine release.
• To achieve long-term suppression of sympathetic nerve activity for MVA prevention.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this system in a rat MI model and for peripheral neuromodulation.

Main Methods:

• Developed a triple-release system using lignin-modified PLGA microspheres encapsulating lidocaine within a PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel.
• Characterized the system for injectability, drug release, stability, and biocompatibility.
• Administered the system via injection near the cervical stellate ganglion in a rat MI model.

Main Results:

• The Gel-LMS Lido system demonstrated controlled lidocaine release, prolonged efficacy, and good biocompatibility.
• Continuous sympathetic nerve suppression was observed for up to two weeks post-MI in rats.
• Significant reduction in MVA incidence and duration was noted in the Gel-LMS Lido group.
• Therapeutic effects for sciatica lasted up to one week after a single injection.

Conclusions:

• The novel Gel-LMS Lido system provides sustained cardiac neural modulation for treating ischemic MVA.
• This injectable system shows significant potential for long-term peripheral neuromodulation therapies.
• This represents a pioneering approach in utilizing tailored drug delivery for cardiac neural modulation.