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Hydrogel System Delivers Interleukin-10 and Glutathione to Mitigate Spinal Cord Injuries.
Eric J. Minner, Biomedical Engineering, PhD Student
Our laboratory has previously developed an injectable hydrogel blend consisting of agarose and methylcellulose that solidifies at physiological temperatures for use in spinal cord injuries (SCI). Free radical formation and excessive inflammation following SCI contribute to secondary injury. Therefore, the anti-oxidant glutathione and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) were loaded into the hydrogel for the purposes of neutralizing radicals generated, and inhibiting inflammation following SCI, respectively. Glutathione and IL-10 release from the hydrogel was monitored in vitro, and data from these experiments reveal that the hydrogel blend delivers glutathione for up to 5 days and IL-10 for up to 4 days. Recent experiments have focused on implementing the agent-containing hydrogels in cell culture models that reflect SCI conditions. In addition, hydrogel blends containing glutathione, IL-10, or both were recently used in a rat spinal cord injury model. 10µL of hydrogel or saline was injected in the injury site. Assessment of recovery of the hydrogel groups versus the controls will be performed in the following months. Based on preliminary findings, hydrogel blends consisting of agarose and methylcellulose loaded with glutathione and/or IL-10 could potentially spare surviving neurons from secondary injury caused by SCI. |