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Intra-Articularly Injectable Ion-Coordinated Bionic Lubricants Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis Recession via
Jiayi Lin1, Junyi Li1, Yue Wu1
1Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing400044, China.
ACS Nano
|July 22, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an injectable bionic lubricant that reprograms inflammatory macrophages to promote joint repair in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The novel hydrogel treatment effectively reduces joint damage and improves RA outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease causing significant joint damage and functional impairment.
- Aberrant activation of synovial macrophages is a key factor in RA pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an injectable, ion-coordinated bionic lubricant for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment.
- To reprogram synovial macrophages from pro-inflammatory to pro-regenerative phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Rhein (Rh)-modified PEGylated liposomes with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (LipQ10-Rh) were synthesized for macrophage targeting.
- Liposomes were embedded in a dynamic hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel cross-linked by acylhydrazone bonding and Zn2+ coordination (HALZ).
- The injectable HALZ lubricant was tested in rat models of RA.
Main Results:
- The dynamic HALZ hydrogel provided immediate biolubrication upon injection into RA-affected joints.
- Gradual release of LipQ10-Rh and Zn2+ ions reprogrammed synovial macrophages.
- Zn2+ activated anti-inflammatory metabolism, while CoQ10 reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress.
- In vivo studies demonstrated significant and durable reduction of RA-associated joint damage in rat models.
Conclusions:
- The injectable HALZ biolubricant offers a promising therapeutic strategy for RA by reprogramming macrophages and mitigating joint damage.
- This approach provides a novel method for enhancing RA recession in clinical settings.
