Evaluating the Efficacy of a Thermoresponsive Hydrogel for Delivering Anti-Collagen Antibodies to Reduce Posttraumatic Scarring in Orthopedic Tissues.
Andrzej SteplewskiJolanta FertalaLan ChengMark L WangMichael RivlinPedro BeredjiklianAndrzej FertalaPublished in: Gels (Basel, Switzerland) (2023)
Excessive posttraumatic scarring in orthopedic tissues, such as joint capsules, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and peripheral nerves, presents a significant medical problem, resulting in pain, restricted joint mobility, and impaired musculoskeletal function. Current treatments for excessive scarring are often ineffective and require the surgical removal of fibrotic tissue, which can aggravate the problem. The primary component of orthopedic scars is collagen I-rich fibrils. Our research team has developed a monoclonal anti-collagen antibody (ACA) that alleviates posttraumatic scarring by inhibiting collagen fibril formation. We previously established the safety and efficacy of ACA in a rabbit-based arthrofibrosis model. In this study, we evaluate the utility of a well-characterized thermoresponsive hydrogel (THG) as a delivery vehicle for ACA to injury sites. Crucial components of the hydrogel included N-isopropylacrylamide, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and hyaluronic acid. Our investigation focused on in vitro ACA release kinetics, stability, and activity. Additionally, we examined the antigen-binding characteristics of ACA post-release from the THG in an in vivo context. Our preliminary findings suggest that the THG construct exhibits promise as a delivery platform for antibody-based therapeutics to reduce excessive scarring in orthopedic tissues.
Keyphrases
- hyaluronic acid
- wound healing
- tissue engineering
- affordable care act
- weight gain
- gene expression
- drug delivery
- health insurance
- chronic pain
- healthcare
- palliative care
- systemic sclerosis
- body mass index
- pain management
- physical activity
- spinal cord injury
- quality improvement
- transcription factor
- weight loss
- artificial intelligence
- multiple myeloma