05012025
Last update: 04/29/2025 9:04

Biocompatible hydrogel for the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue

A CSIC team has developed a biocompatible hydrogel for the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, which stands out for its lack of toxicity and high porosity. The mechanism is based on a method of cross-linking through diisocyanates.

Non-hydrated hydrogelNon-hydrated hydrogelDiisocyanates are chemical compounds with two groups of isocyanates, which are used in the synthesis of polyurethane to provide elasticity. The hydrogel is based on the cross-linking of diisocyanates, which provides for a more stable system than the rest of the existing ones. The current ones don’t have the fast response cross-linking agents.

On the other hand, biocompatible hydrogel’s high level of porosity allows a better retention of water and a stable degree of swelling.

This system is especially useful in the reconstruction of cartilage tissue in osteochondral defects, which affect the bone and cartilage of the joints, that are treated through the microfacture procedure. This kind of injuries is usual in elite athletes, in the knee and elbow.

Biocompatible hydrogel is remarkable for its lack of toxicity, high porosity and longer durability

Biocompatible hydrogel has plenty of advantages over the existing biodegradable ones. Although the current ones create an aqueous microenvironment similar to that of cartilage, they have as a disadvantage an high toxicity and less durability.

SEM microscopy of the swollen hydrogel, membrane prepared through shaking using UltraTurraxSwollen hydrogel through SEM MicroscopeAlso, the method for obtaining the new hydrogel does not produce toxic residues and contains a high content of hyaluronic acid, which is retained much longer. Therefore, this system is more stable over time compared to the commercial options.

Contact:

Álvaro González Gómez
Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Tel: 915622900
Correo: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.