In situ-forming
hydrogels are highly effective
in covering complex and irregular tissue defects. Herein, a biomimetic
gel implant (CS-GEL) consisting of methacrylated chondroitin sulfate
and gelatin is obtained via visible light irradiation,
which displays rapid gelation (∼30 s), suitable mechanical
properties, and biological features to support osteoblast attachment
and proliferation. Sclerostin is proven to be a viable target to promote
osteogenesis. Hence, baicalin, a natural flavonoid with a high affinity
to sclerostin, is selected as the therapeutic compound to achieve
localized neutralization of sclerostin. To overcome its poor solubility
and permeability, a baicalin nanocomplex (BNP) is synthesized using
Solutol HS15, which is then dispersed in the CS-GEL to afford a nanocomposite
delivery system, i.e., BNP-loaded gel (BNP@CS-GEL). In vitro, BNP significantly downregulated the level of sclerostin
in MLO-Y4 osteocytes. In vivo, either CS-GEL or BNP@CS-GEL
is proven to effectively promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis in
a calvarial critical-sized bone defect rat model, with BNP@CS-GEL
showing the best pro-healing effect. Specifically, the BNP@CS-GEL-treated
group significantly downregulated the sclerostin level as compared
to the sham group (p < 0.05). RANKL expression
was also significantly suppressed by BNP in MLO-Y4 cells and BNP@CS-GEL in vivo. Collectively, our study offers a facile and viable
gel platform in combination with nanoparticulated baicalin for the
localized neutralization of sclerostin to promote bone regeneration
and repair.