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

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, we developed an injectable, conductive hydrogel with exhibited remarkable mechanical strength that can withstand a pressure of 500 KPa (85% deformation rate) and display good fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity, and tissue adhesion. We formed a stable covalent cross-linked network with a slip-ring structure by threading amino β-cyclodextrin onto the chain of the four-armed (polyethylene glycol) amino group, and then reacted with the four-armed (polyethylene glycol) maleimide under physiological conditions. The addition of silver nanowires enhanced the hydrogel's electrical conductivity, enabling it to act as a good conductor in vivo. We injected the hydrogel into fascial space, and the results showed that the weight and muscle tone of the atrophied gastrocnemius muscle improved, subsequently alleviating muscle atrophy. Overall, our study provides a simple method for the preparation of a conductive hydrogel with high mechanical properties. In addition, our interstitial injection provides a strategy for the use of hydrogels in vivo. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.