Interstitial Injection of Hydrogels with High‐Mechanical Conductivity Relieves Muscle Atrophy Induced by Nerve Injury

Abstract

Injectable hydrogels have been extensively used in tissue engineering where high mechanical properties are key for their functionality at sites of high physiological stress. In this study, an injectable, conductive hydrogel is developed exhibiting remarkable mechanical strength that can withstand a pressure of 500 kPa (85% deformation rate) and display good fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity, and tissue adhesion. A stable covalent cross‐linked network with a slip‐ring structure by threading amino β‐cyclodextrin is formed onto the chain of a four‐armed (polyethylene glycol) amino group, and then reacted with the four‐armed (polyethylene glycol) maleimide under physiological conditions. The addition of silver nanowires enhances the hydrogel's electrical conductivity, enabling it to act as a good conductor in vivo. The hydrogel is injected into the fascial space, and the results show that the weight and muscle tone of the atrophied gastrocnemius muscle improve, subsequently alleviating muscle atrophy. Overall, this study provides a simple method for the preparation of a conductive hydrogel with high mechanical properties. In addition, the interstitial injection provides a strategy for the use of hydrogels in vivo.

Biomedical Approach of Nanotechnology and Biological Risks: A Mini-Review

“…If functionalized with bioactive molecules, they can be used in controlled release systems and applied in tissue engineering for organs such as the liver, heart, and bone [45,46]. In addition, conductive nanowires are interesting for regenerating nervous and muscular tissues by creating electrochemical interfaces with cells [47]. As biomimetic sensors, they can monitor the concentration of biomarkers and cell activity, among others, being of paramount importance for studies of tissues in vitro or in vivo [48,49].…”