An injectable and self-healing hydrogel with controlled release of curcumin to repair spinal cord injury

Bioactive Materials, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.05.022 · Published: May 8, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a novel hydrogel designed to aid in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. The hydrogel is made from a combination of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-grafted chitosan (FC) and Fmoc peptide (FI). The key features of this hydrogel are its injectability and self-healing properties, which are enabled by the dynamic reversible π-π stacking interactions of fluorenyl rings within the material. The hydrogel is also designed to slowly release curcumin (Cur), a substance known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, directly into the injury site to promote healing.

Study Duration

2 Months

Participants

Young adult female SD rats (220–250 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The FC/FI hybrid hydrogel exhibited excellent injectable and self-healing properties due to the dynamic reversible π-π stacking interactions of the fluorenyl rings.
2
The FC/FI-Cur hydrogel promoted neurite outgrowth and enhanced Schwann cell (SC) migration and myelination in in vitro studies.
3
In vivo, the FC/FI-Cur hydrogel reassembled extracellular matrix at the lesion site, modulated local inflammatory reaction by regulating the phenotypes of infiltrated inflammatory cells, and recruited endogenous SCs for remyelination, leading to improved hind limb movement and electrophysiological properties.

Research Summary

This study developed an injectable and self-healing hydrogel composed of Fmoc-grafted chitosan (FC) and Fmoc peptide (FI) for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. The hydrogel's unique π-π stacking interactions enable its injectability and self-healing properties, while the controlled release of curcumin (Cur) provides anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel modulated inflammation, promoted remyelination by recruiting Schwann cells, and ultimately improved functional recovery in rats with SCI.

Practical Implications

Multifunctional Hydrogel Development

This study advances the development of multifunctional hydrogels for SCI repair, highlighting the potential of combining biomaterials with therapeutic agents for enhanced regeneration.

Comprehensive SCI Treatment Approaches

The findings provide insights into comprehensive approaches for SCI repair, emphasizing the importance of addressing both structural support and biochemical modulation.

Clinical Translation Potential

The injectable and self-healing properties of the hydrogel, along with its ability to promote tissue regeneration and functional recovery, suggest its potential for clinical translation in treating SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and further research is needed to validate the findings in larger animal models and human clinical trials.
2
The long-term effects and potential side effects of the hydrogel and curcumin release were not fully investigated.
3
The precise mechanisms underlying the hydrogel's effects on inflammation and remyelination require further elucidation.

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