Gelatin/Hyaluronic Acid Photocrosslinked Double Network Hydrogel with Nano-Hydroxyapatite Composite for Potential Application in Bone Repair

Abstract

The application of hydrogels in bone repair is limited due to their low mechanical strength. Simulating bone extracellular matrix, methylacrylylated gelatin (GelMA)/methylacrylylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA)/nano-hydroxyapatite(nHap) composite hydrogels were prepared by combining the double network strategy and composite of nHap in this study. The precursor solutions of the composite hydrogels were injectable due to their shear thinning property. The compressive elastic modulus of the composite hydrogel was significantly enhanced, the fracture strength of the composite hydrogel nearly reached 1 MPa, and the composite hydrogel retained its high water content at above 88%. The composite hydrogels possess good compatibility with BMSCS and have the potential to be used as injectable hydrogels for bone defect treatment.

Research progress of photo-crosslink hydrogels in ophthalmology: A comprehensive review focus on the applications

“…As the main component of ECM, it exists in skin, cartilage, vitreous and other tissues and participates in inflammation and angiogenesis [ 48 , 49 ]. Due to its unique viscoelasticity, good biocompatibility, biodegradability and hydrophilicity, hyaluronic acid also displays great potential in regenerative medicine [ 50 , 51 ]. Typically, hydrogels composed of hyaluronic acid exhibit loose binding between side chains, leading to a soft structure and low strength, making them susceptible to hydrolysis and degradation [ 51 , 52 ].…”

“…Typically, hydrogels composed of hyaluronic acid exhibit loose binding between side chains, leading to a soft structure and low strength, making them susceptible to hydrolysis and degradation [ 51 , 52 ]. However, the physical and chemical properties of hyaluronic acid changed by modifying the active groups such as hydroxyl group and carboxyl group on the molecule [ 50 ]. For example, after the methacrylate group is introduced to the hyaluronic acid chain, the hyaluronic acid chain can be photo-crosslinked under ultraviolet ( ) light irradiation, so as to form a hyaluronic acid hydrogel with higher strength that supports other bioactive factors, called HAMA hydrogel [ 53 ].…”

Biomineral-Based Composite Materials in Regenerative Medicine

“…Furthermore, the smaller building blocks and aggregation of nanograins in biogenic aragonite create strong boundary effects, further increasing their hardness compared to geologic aragonite. By mimicking the features of biominerals, such as the nanostructuring of minerals and mixing with organics or other minerals, researchers reinforce the structure and improve the overall mechanical properties [ 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 ]. Specifically, inspired by the stabilized ACC of crustacean cuticles, Wu et al reported the efficient ACC stabilization ability of the most abundant biopolymer cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) [ 123 ].…”