Biocompatible Injectable Magnetic Hydrogel Formed by Dynamic Coordination Network

Abstract

Magnetic hydrogel that can respond to a magnetic stimulus is a promising biomaterial for tissue regeneration and cancer treatment. In this study, a novel magnetic hydrogel is formed by simply mixing bisphosphonate (BP)-modified hyaluronic acid (i.e., HA-BP) polymeric solution and iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticle dispersion, in which the hydrogel networks are cross-linked by BP groups and iron atoms on the surface of particle. The iron-BP coordination chemistry affords a dynamic network, characterized by self-healing, shear-thinning, and smoothly injectable properties. Moreover, the HA-BP·Fe₃O₄ magnetic hydrogel demonstrates heat-generation characterization under an alternating magnetic field. The animal experiments confirm the biocompatibilities of HA-BP·Fe₃O₄ hydrogel, which presents the hydrogels potential for tissue regeneration and anticancer treatment applications.