A silk fibroin hydrogel adhesive, S-PIL10, was developed for the repair of meniscus tears. This dual-functional bioadhesive combines methacrylated silk fibroin (SFMA) with phenylboronic acid-ionic liquid (PIL) and growth factor TGF-β1, enabling chemo-mechanical restoration and inner meniscal regeneration. The supramolecular interactions of β-sheets and hydrogen bonds, enhanced by PIL, improve wet adhesion, swelling resistance, and anti-fatigue properties compared to pure silk fibroin gel. S-PIL10 also eliminates reactive oxygen species (ROS), improving the local meniscus tear repair environment and continuously releasing TGF-β1 for cell recruitment and defect bridging. In vivo rabbit models demonstrated seamless and dense reconstruction of torn menisci, confirming the feasibility of the meniscus adhesive concept and offering a promising strategy for preclinical research.
Meniscus injuries are common in the knee joint, often leading to poor healing due to the lack of blood supply in the inner one-third (white-white zone). Surgical treatments like partial or total meniscectomy only provide temporary relief and may accelerate joint degeneration. Suture-based repairs are limited in effectiveness. Tissue adhesives, though promising for wound repair, have not been effectively applied to meniscus tears due to the complex mechanical and inflammatory conditions of the joint. S-PIL10 addresses these challenges by integrating strong adhesive strength, robust mechanical properties, and long-term regeneration function. Silk fibroin (SF), extracted from silkworm cocoons, is a natural biomacromolecule with favorable properties for forming β-sheets, making it suitable for hydrogels and scaffolds. SFMA, modified with glycidyl methacrylate, forms photocurable hydrogels. Ionic liquids, with their thermal stability and tunable chemical properties, were incorporated to enhance the bioadhesive properties of S-PIL10.
S-PIL10 demonstrated superior adhesion strength, mechanical properties, and anti-swelling capabilities compared to other adhesives. It showed excellent biocompatibility, with no significant inflammatory response in vivo. The hydrogel also promoted meniscus regeneration by releasing TGF-β1 and scavenging ROS. In vivo tests showed that S-PIL10 effectively repaired various types of meniscus tears, including radial and longitudinal tears, without causing joint damage. The adhesive's ability to maintain strong adhesion under mechanical stress and water exposure was also demonstrated. S-PIL10's unique properties, including its ability to form β-sheet structures and dynamic borate ester bonds, contributed to its superior performance. The study highlights the potential of S-PIL10 as a promising material for the clinical repair of meniscus tears.A silk fibroin hydrogel adhesive, S-PIL10, was developed for the repair of meniscus tears. This dual-functional bioadhesive combines methacrylated silk fibroin (SFMA) with phenylboronic acid-ionic liquid (PIL) and growth factor TGF-β1, enabling chemo-mechanical restoration and inner meniscal regeneration. The supramolecular interactions of β-sheets and hydrogen bonds, enhanced by PIL, improve wet adhesion, swelling resistance, and anti-fatigue properties compared to pure silk fibroin gel. S-PIL10 also eliminates reactive oxygen species (ROS), improving the local meniscus tear repair environment and continuously releasing TGF-β1 for cell recruitment and defect bridging. In vivo rabbit models demonstrated seamless and dense reconstruction of torn menisci, confirming the feasibility of the meniscus adhesive concept and offering a promising strategy for preclinical research.
Meniscus injuries are common in the knee joint, often leading to poor healing due to the lack of blood supply in the inner one-third (white-white zone). Surgical treatments like partial or total meniscectomy only provide temporary relief and may accelerate joint degeneration. Suture-based repairs are limited in effectiveness. Tissue adhesives, though promising for wound repair, have not been effectively applied to meniscus tears due to the complex mechanical and inflammatory conditions of the joint. S-PIL10 addresses these challenges by integrating strong adhesive strength, robust mechanical properties, and long-term regeneration function. Silk fibroin (SF), extracted from silkworm cocoons, is a natural biomacromolecule with favorable properties for forming β-sheets, making it suitable for hydrogels and scaffolds. SFMA, modified with glycidyl methacrylate, forms photocurable hydrogels. Ionic liquids, with their thermal stability and tunable chemical properties, were incorporated to enhance the bioadhesive properties of S-PIL10.
S-PIL10 demonstrated superior adhesion strength, mechanical properties, and anti-swelling capabilities compared to other adhesives. It showed excellent biocompatibility, with no significant inflammatory response in vivo. The hydrogel also promoted meniscus regeneration by releasing TGF-β1 and scavenging ROS. In vivo tests showed that S-PIL10 effectively repaired various types of meniscus tears, including radial and longitudinal tears, without causing joint damage. The adhesive's ability to maintain strong adhesion under mechanical stress and water exposure was also demonstrated. S-PIL10's unique properties, including its ability to form β-sheet structures and dynamic borate ester bonds, contributed to its superior performance. The study highlights the potential of S-PIL10 as a promising material for the clinical repair of meniscus tears.