Electrically Active Composite Hydrogel Membranes With MXene for Bone Defect Repair

Electrical stimulation (ES) is widely acknowledged as an efficient means for enhancing bone repair. Despite the promising results of synergistic techniques that integrate conductive nanomaterials and ES in excitable tissues, their utilization in bone defect repair is yet inadequately investigated, given the inherent bioelectrical characteristics of bone tissue. In this work, a new osteogenic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/pectin/MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) (PPM) conductive composite hydrogel membrane is designed and comprehensively assessed for its efficacy in electrically enhanced bone regeneration. The PPM membrane with a durable threedimensional (3D) conductive network is formed by combining mechanically resilient, biocompatible PVA and bioactive pectin with highly conductive MXene nanosheets. PVA ensures mechanical integrity and structural stability, pectin with many functional groups promotes cell adhesion and osteogenic bioactivity, while the integration of MXene significantly enhances electrical conductivity, promoting cellular electrical signal transmission and modulating osteogenic cell activities. The PPM membrane has advantageous electrical, mechanical characteristics, and excellent in vitro cytocompatibility and improved osteogenic potential. In vivo experiments indicate that the PPM membrane markedly enhances new bone growth when subjected to ES. This study presents a synergistic approach utilizing a conductive hydrogel membrane and ES, providing a viable biomaterial platform for the repair of bone defects.