Formulation of thrombin-inhibiting hydrogels by self-assembly of ionic peptides with peptide-modified polymers

The study focuses on developing injectable hydrogels for cell therapy in spinal cord injuries (SCI). These hydrogels aim to support the survival and integration of transplanted cells at the injury site. The developed hydrogels are designed to mimic the natural environment of the central nervous system and deliver drugs locally to promote healing, specifically targeting the inflammatory response after SCI. The hydrogels incorporate peptides that self-assemble into a supportive structure and are modified with polymers that inhibit thrombin, an enzyme that contributes to scar formation after SCI.

• 1
  Peptide-functionalized polymers can be integrated into self-assembled peptide hydrogels while maintaining similar mechanical properties (soft and shear-thinning) to peptide-only hydrogels.
• 2
  The polymer-containing hydrogels exhibit thrombin inhibition activity, suggesting their potential to reduce scar formation in vivo, which has been previously demonstrated.
• 3
  Cells cultured on the hydrogels show good viability, indicating the material's biocompatibility, although encapsulated cells showed poor survival.