Hyaluronidase-responsive hydrogel loaded with magnetic nanoparticles combined with external magnetic stimulation for spinal cord injury repair

Materials Today Bio, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101378 · Published: December 6, 2024

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. This study introduces a new hydrogel to help repair spinal cord injuries. The hydrogel is made from hyaluronic acid and gelatin, combined with Neurotrophic growth factor (NGF) and magnetic nanoparticles. It responds to both hyaluronidase (an enzyme present after SCI) and external magnetic fields. The hydrogel promotes neural axon growth and reduces inflammation, creating a favorable environment for nerve regeneration in rats with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

12 Weeks

Participants

50 Female Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The novel hydrogel significantly promoted neural axon growth and development under an external magnetic field in cellular experiments.
2
In a rat spinal cord resection model, the hydrogel reduced inflammation and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, providing a favorable environment for nerve regeneration.
3
Neural regeneration improved hind limb motor function in SCI rats, underscoring the therapeutic potential of the hydrogel.

Research Summary

This research presents a novel hydrogel system that responds to both hyaluronidase and external magnetic stimuli, designed for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. The hydrogel, loaded with NGF and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, exhibits mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and reduces inflammation while fostering neurogenic recovery. Empirical findings in rat models of SCI demonstrate the hydrogel's efficacy in ameliorating motor dysfunction, suggesting a promising therapeutic avenue for SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The hydrogel system offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries by promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Drug Delivery

The dual-responsive nature of the hydrogel allows for targeted and sustained drug release (NGF) at the injury site, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Clinical Translation

The biocompatibility and effectiveness of the hydrogel in animal models suggest its potential for translation into clinical applications for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The precise mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect of the hydrogel, magnetic stimulation, and NGF require further investigation.
2
The injury model was only about 2 mm, it was difficult to distinguish the degree of repair of specific tissues and the composition of new tissues in different groups.
3
Further studies are needed to optimize the hydrogel composition and delivery method for improved therapeutic outcomes.

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