A Neurocompliant Ionic Conductive Hydrogel Orchestrates Glial and Vascular Remodeling to Mitigate Traumatic Brain Injury
Developing conductive scaffolds for neural regeneration is often hindered by the cytotoxicity and mechanical mismatch inherent to conventional electronic fillers. Here, we report an ultrasoft ionically conductive hydrogel engineered by grafting choline-based bioionic liquids (BIL) onto fish gelatin (FiBGel). Systematic optimization yields brain-mimetic conductivity (0.25-0.68 S/m), elastic moduli…
A novel hydrogel composed of choline-based bioionic liquids and fish gelatin has shown promise in mitigating traumatic brain injury. This ultrasoft conductive scaffold aims to bridge the gap between electronic fillers and neural regeneration. By optimizing the hydrogel's composition, researchers achieved brain-like conductivity, elasticity, and water content, making it an ideal environment for brain cells.
In a 3D culture, the matrix encouraged the growth of neurons and the formation of blood vessels. The hydrogel was successfully administered intracerebrally, proving to be safe and capable of modifying the immune response. In a traumatic brain injury model, a single dose of the hydrogel reduced inflammation, improved blood supply to the damaged area, and prevented the expansion of the injury's impact zone.
This multifunctional hydrogel could potentially revolutionize the treatment of brain injuries, offering a minimally invasive solution that combines mechanical support, conductivity, immune modulation, and vascular assistance in one injectable formulation.
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