Injectable Gelatin-Farsi Gum Hydrogels Functionalized With Hydroxyapatite for Biomimetic Oral Bone Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Injectable biomaterials are crucial for bone repair, needing to solidify in situ, resist infection, and offer osteoconductive reinforcement.
• The combination of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and hydroxyapatite (HA) within a photo-crosslinkable hydrogel for mandibular regeneration remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel photo-crosslinkable hydrogel system for mandibular regeneration.
• To evaluate the synergistic effects of AgNPs and varying concentrations of HA on the hydrogel's properties and bone healing capacity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a gelatin methacrylate and methacrylated Farsi gum hydrogel functionalized with AgNPs and 0-10% w/w HA.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, and 1H NMR; assessment of swelling, degradation, porosity, and mechanical compression.
• Evaluation of rat mandibular healing via radiography and histology at 5 and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Successful incorporation of all components confirmed by spectroscopic and diffraction analyses.
• Hydrogels exhibited controlled swelling/degradation and porous structures.
• Increased HA content enhanced compressive strength and elastic recovery, with 10% HA showing optimal performance.
• The 10% HA hydrogel significantly supported mandibular bone regeneration in vivo.

Conclusions:

• A single injectable hydrogel platform effectively integrates antimicrobial (AgNPs) and osteoconductive (HA) properties.
• This biomaterial shows promise for minimally invasive craniofacial and orthopedic bone repair applications.
• The developed hydrogel facilitates bone regeneration, addressing key requirements for effective bone defect treatment.