Near-Infrared Reinforced Alginate-Tyramine-Curcumin Gels for Alleviation of Osteoarthritis in an ACLT Murine Model

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) poses a significant challenge because of its complex pathology, involving factors such as hypoxia, inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress within mitochondria, and fibroblast-driven instability of fibrocartilage. Traditional scaffold-based treatments often fail to provide the mechanical properties and bioactivity required for effective cartilage repair. To overcome these challenges, this work introduces an injectable hydrogel system composed of alginate-tyramine-curcumin (ALG-TYR-CUR), reinforced using near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The approach utilizes NIR-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation to enhance the mechanical strength of hydrogel, eradicate potential angiogenesis, and establish a hypoxic nature favorable for chondrogenesis. The outcomes showed remarkable improvements in the ALG-TYR-CUR hydrogel's mechanical characteristics. In vitro studies revealed selective regulation of oxidative stress, promoting the activity of chondrocytes while suppressing aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. In a rat model of OA induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection, the ALG-TYR-CUR gel system demonstrated notably reduced inflammation, cartilage regeneration, normalization of angiogenesis, and restoration of joint functionality. This NIR-ALG-TYR-CUR system provides a non-invasive, multimodal approach to managing OA by targeting critical pathological mechanisms. These results underscore its promise as a versatile platform for cartilage repair and as a promising solution for the management of inflammation illnesses and regenerative medication.