Tetrahydroxy Diboron-Enabled 3D-Printable Bioactive Hydrogel Scaffolds for Accelerated Repair of Vaginal Defects

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Effective repair of vaginal defects requires advanced biomaterials with specific mechanical and therapeutic properties.
• Existing treatments face challenges in achieving optimal tissue regeneration and mechanical stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printable, multifunctional hydrogel scaffold for enhanced vaginal defect repair.
• To investigate the properties and therapeutic potential of a novel tetrahydroxy diboron (THDB)-based hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Utilized THDB chemistry for rapid radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
• Incorporated calcium ions and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide to enhance mechanical strength and stability.
• Evaluated hydrogel properties including tensile strength, compressive stress, cyclic performance, and aqueous stability.
• Assessed the hydrogel's bioactivity through reactive oxygen species scavenging and signaling pathway activation.
• Tested the scaffold in a rat model of full-thickness vaginal defects.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated high tensile strength (>1.0 MPa) and compressive stress (~2.0 MPa).
• Exhibited stable cyclic performance and long-term aqueous stability with a swelling ratio of ~160% over 30 days.
• Sustained release of THDB and Ca2+ ions provided therapeutic benefits, including ROS scavenging.
• Successfully promoted tissue repair in a rat model of vaginal defects.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printable hydrogel is a mechanically robust, swelling-resistant, and bioactive scaffold.
• This biomaterial shows significant potential for effective vaginal tissue reconstruction.
• The THDB-enabled hydrogel offers a promising solution for treating vaginal defects, including those associated with MRKH syndrome.