Injectable neural hydrogel as in vivo therapeutic delivery vehicle

Regen Eng Transl Med, 2023 · DOI: 10.1007/s40883-022-00292-9 · Published: September 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

We developed an injectable decellularized tissue scaffold from rat peripheral nerve tissue (called iPN), a potential minimally invasive therapeutic meant to fill lesion spaces after injury. Our results showed that encapsulating biomolecules in an FDA-approved polymer (PLGA) slowed the release of biomolecules from the iPN, which could allow therapeutics more time around the scaffold to help repair native tissue. Lastly, we investigated one potential avenue for combining iPN with other regenerative cues obtained from adipose-derived stem cells.

Study Duration

72 hours

Participants

Adult Sprague Dawley rats (250–300g), Human ASCs from three individual donors

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Gelation of iPN hydrogels was successful upon subcutaneous injection.
2
PLGA-encapsulated samples in hydrogel had a significantly higher radiant efficiency compared to the non-encapsulated samples at 24 hours
3
VEGF secretion was remarkably higher in the MM conditions compared to NB

Research Summary

The results of this study demonstrated successful injection and subsequent gelation of our iPN hydrogel formulation in vivo. PLGA encapsulation may be a promising avenue for combining iPN with pro-regenerative biomolecules or ASC secretome; however, future work must focus on optimal loading conditions and release profiles from the soft hydrogels. Next steps will be applying iPN in various combination therapies for neural tissue repair after spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Delivery

iPN hydrogel can be successfully injected and gelled in vivo, serving as a delivery vehicle.

Controlled Release

PLGA encapsulation prolongs the release of biomolecules from iPN hydrogels.

Combination Therapy

iPN can be combined with stem cell secretome to enhance regenerative potential.

Study Limitations

1
This study only investigated release of a small molecular weight dextran, meant to mimic growth factors of interest (<50 kDA) because of their similar molecular weights.
2
the maximum loading efficiency for cell secretome was only 28%.
3
for molecules that need to be delivered over a longer course, PLGA may not be suitable for encapsulation when used with iPN specifically.

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