Poloxamer-based thermosensitive injectable hydrogels containing a self-assembling peptide for In situ gelation
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, vol. 29, pp. 248–257
Abstract
This study presents the development and characterization of a novel thermosensitive injectable hydrogel designed to enhance the biomechanical properties of poloxamer 407 (P407) through the incorporation of a self-assembling peptide. The primary objective was to engineer a formulation that rapidly gels following intra-articular (i.a.) injection, exhibits improved mechanical strength, and enables sustained release of embedded therapeutic cargo. Gelation time assays demonstrated that the P407-peptide formulation solidified more quickly than P407 alone at equivalent concentrations. Rheological analysis revealed a 1.5 kPa increase in storage modulus in the hybrid hydrogel, confirming improved mechanical integrity. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using human chondrocyte cell line, with MTS assays and LIVE/DEAD staining indicating no cytotoxicity across tested concentrations. To evaluate in vivo applicability, a near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye was incorporated into the hydrogel and injected intra-articularly into an osteoarthritis (OA) mouse model. The labeled formulation allowed for successful tracking and demonstrated localized gelation, supporting its suitability for site-specific, sustained delivery. Overall, the P407-peptide hydrogel offers a promising platform for i.a. therapeutic applications, combining injectability, rapid thermoresponsive gelation, mechanical reinforcement, and controlled release behavior, making it well-suited for regenerative medicine and OA treatment.
Authors 9
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Sayedeh Sana Sayedipour Aachen Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center Section Molecular Epidemiology Department of Biomedical Data Sciences
Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
Section Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LUMC Postzone S-05-P, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
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Timo Schomann Aachen Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center Department of Vascular Surgery
Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
Department of Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
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Affiliation as printed
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht 3508 TB, the Netherlands
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Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
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Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Section Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LUMC Postzone S-05-P, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
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Affiliation as printed
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht 3508 TB, the Netherlands
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Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Departments of Radiology & Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
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Ingrid Meulenbelt corresponding Aachen Section Molecular Epidemiology Department of Biomedical Data Sciences
Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Section Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, LUMC Postzone S-05-P, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
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Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
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