A research team at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea, has developed an innovative photocurable hydrogel that enables minimally invasive bone regeneration. Comprising alginate derived from brown algae and recombinant mussel adhesive protein containing RGD peptides, the hydrogel incorporates calcium ions, phosphonodiols, and a photoinitiator to facilitate rapid solidification under visible light. This photochemical cross-linking triggers in situ mineralization, forming a porous, biodegradable scaffold that integrates with host bone tissue, promoting osteogenesis without the need for invasive autografts or allografts.
The hydrogel’s design leverages the adhesive properties of mussel proteins and the biocompatibility of alginate to address critical limitations in bone tissue engineering, including poor tissue integration and mechanical instability. In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of pre-osteoblast cells on the hydrogel matrix. In vivo experiments in rat calvarial defect models further confirmed accelerated bone regeneration, with histological analyses revealing mature bone formation and seamless integration with surrounding tissue. The material’s biodegradability ensures gradual resorption as native bone replaces the scaffold, eliminating secondary surgical interventions.
Published in Biomaterials (2025), this work, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Research Foundation, introduces a coacervate-based hydrogel with superior injectability and structural fidelity post-administration. The system’s ability to harden under safe, visible light and its capacity to mimic the bone extracellular matrix mark a significant advance in regenerative medicine, offering a scalable, patient-friendly alternative to conventional bone repair strategies.
Implications for Maxillofacial and Dental Applications
In dental and maxillofacial fields, this injectable hydrogel offers a game-changing solution for bone regeneration in complex anatomical regions like the mandible, maxilla, and alveolar ridge. Potential applications include:
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Alveolar ridge preservation post-extraction
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Periodontal regeneration
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Maxillofacial reconstruction following trauma or tumor resection
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Bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement
Its biocompatibility, adhesive strength, and biodegradability make it ideal for use in the sensitive oral environment, reducing recovery time and improving clinical outcomes.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biomaterials