Hydrogels composed of natural polysaccharides have been
widely
used as filling materials, with a growing interest in medical cosmetology
and skin care. However, conventional commercial dermal fillers still
have limitations, particularly in terms of mechanical performance
and durability in vivo. In this study, a novel injectable
and implantable hydrogel with adjustable characteristics was prepared
from succinoglycan riclin by introducing PEG diglycidyl ether as a
cross-linker. FTIR spectra confirmed the cross-linking reaction. The
riclin hydrogels exhibited shear-thinning behavior, excellent mechanical
properties, and cytocompatibility through in vitro experiments. Furthermore, when compared with subcutaneous injection
of a commercial hyaluronic acid hydrogel, the riclin hydrogels showed
enhanced persistence and biocompatibility in Balb/c mice after 16
weeks. These results demonstrate the great potential of the riclin-based
hydrogel as an alternative to conventional commercial soft tissue
fillers.