Injectable nanocomposite hydrogels with enhanced lubrication and antioxidant properties for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease with cartilage degeneration, inflammation, and osteoid formation. This study addresses this by creating injectable nanocomposite hydrogels. The hydrogels are made of polygallate-Mn (PGA-Mn) nanoparticles, oxidized sodium alginate, and gelatin, which enhance mechanical strength and scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vivo experiments on rat knee joints with OA showed that these hydrogels reduced osteophyte formation and protected cartilage, suggesting their potential as an OA treatment.

• 1
  The nanocomposite hydrogel (OGPGM) exhibits excellent biocompatibility, effectively removes ROS from chondrocytes, and reduces inflammatory factors within the joint.
• 2
  The hydrogel's hygroscopic properties reduce intra-articular friction and promote cartilage-related protein production, supporting cartilage synthesis.
• 3
  In vivo experiments in rats demonstrated that injecting the nanocomposite hydrogels reduced osteophyte formation and protected cartilage from wear.