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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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An Injectable and Drug-loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel for Local Catheter Injection into the Pig Heart
Published on: June 7, 2015
Injectable carrageenan-based hydrogel with piezoelectric particles for potential regenerative applications
Arianna Rossi1, Noemi Ravaglia2, Federica Arienti3
1Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics (ISSMC), National Research Council of Italy, Via Granarolo 64, 48018, Faenza, Italy.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|August 6, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new injectable hydrogel for regenerative medicine. The material uses ions for rapid gelation and ultrasound for electrical stimulation, supporting cell growth and tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Injectable hydrogels are crucial for minimally invasive regenerative medicine.
- Delivering biomimetic microenvironments to irregular tissue defects requires advanced hydrogel formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multi-responsive, ECM-like injectable hydrogel.
- To combine ion-triggered gelation with ultrasound-activated piezoelectric functionality for regenerative therapies.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a hydrogel using κ/λ-carrageenan, hyaluronic acid, and type I collagen.
- Incorporation of barium titanate particles for piezoelectric properties.
- Evaluation of gelation, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and response to ultrasound stimulation.
Main Results:
- Rapid, ion-triggered gelation suitable for fine-needle injection.
- Hydrogels possess mechanical properties and porous architecture similar to native soft tissues.
- Demonstrated cytocompatibility with various cell types and promotion of a pro-regenerative macrophage phenotype.
- Ultrasound stimulation confirmed piezoelectric activation without compromising cell viability.
Conclusions:
- A user-friendly, cost-effective, and multifunctional injectable hydrogel platform was developed.
- The hydrogel shows potential for minimally invasive and remotely activated regenerative therapies.
- This platform offers a novel approach for tissue repair and regeneration.
