A nanohybrid peptide hydrogel has been developed as the result of the combination of self-assembling peptides and inorganic multifunctional nanomaterials (manganese dioxide, or MnO2) in the resulting hydrogel (NHPD). The peptide provides a biocompatible and biodegradable environment for native cells, while the MnO2 scavenges ROS to minimize further damage. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative growth factors (e.g., GDF-5) can be readily loaded into the hydrogel to direct host tissues to regenerate the IVD.
To demonstrate the pre-clinical application of this technology, NHPD with GDF-5 were administered to rats with IVD degeneration. This novel treatment increased IVD tissue regeneration, leading to less pain. Collectively, our combined method of cellular components and a biomaterial to provide a favorable ECM microenvironment could yield even better tissue regeneration and pain alleviation. Understanding the dynamic mechanical, biochemical, and biological properties of NHPH under in vivo and disease-like microenvironments would also facilitate the design of better biomaterials for treating fibrocartilaginous injuries and other diseases and disorders.
PUBLICATION: This work was recently published in ACS Nano (https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c11441). “Development of a Nanohybrid Peptide Hydrogel for Enhanced Intervertebral Disc Repair and Regeneration”, ACS Nano, 2023, 17, DOI:10.1021/acsnano.2c11441.
CORRESPONDENCE: Prof. Ki-Bum Lee (Rutgers University), https://kblee.rutgers.edu/
Collaborator: Prof. Inbo Han (Department of Neurosurgery, CHA University)
KBLEE Group Team: Dr. Brian M Conley, Dr. Letao Yang, Jeffrey Luo https://kblee.rutgers.edu/
