Researchers Develop a Biocompatible Hydrogel with Polylactide Particles
Scientists from MIPT and the Kurchatov Institute have engineered a composite hydrogel that incorporates polylactide particles. This material more closely mirrors the body’s natural structures than traditional hydrogels and shows promise for advancing treatments against drug resistant tuberculosis. Details were shared with socialbites.ca from the Kurchatov Institute.
The team explains that the new material could serve as an injectable mass designed to fill voids and damaged regions inside the body. In medicine, gels with these properties can support tissue regeneration by stabilizing the affected area and guiding healing processes. In respiratory care, a collagen and chitosan based gel could help address issues related to drug resistant tuberculosis by providing gentle compression within the chest cavity. The researchers emphasize that the gels are biodegradable and safe after implantation because they are composed of natural and synthetic polymers that align with the body’s biological environment and imitate native tissues. Timofey Grigoriev, a senior researcher from the Kurchatov Institute and a leader of the study, noted that the collaboration with MIPT allowed the team to push the material closer to practical medical applications according to information provided to socialbites.ca.
At the core of this research lies the extracellular matrix, a complex network of large molecules that offers mechanical support to cells and governs the transport of nutrients and signaling molecules. In regenerative medicine, hydrogels are designed to emulate this matrix by behaving like soft tissues and absorbing substantial amounts of water. Yet conventional synthetic hydrogels often fall short when it comes to matching the mechanical properties of natural tissues, limiting their effectiveness in real-world applications.
The new hydrogel combines collagen and chitosan with polylactide particles, and this combination yields a material whose mechanical behavior more closely resembles that of body tissues. The addition of polylactide particles increases the material’s elastic modulus by more than tenfold, meaning it can better withstand mechanical stresses while retaining essential flexibility. This balance of strength and adaptability is crucial for applications that involve dynamic body environments and repetitive movements that would otherwise degrade stiffer materials.
Beyond mechanical compatibility, the formulation enables sustained release of C-phycocyanin, a molecule recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties. This sustained release profile broadens the clinical potential of the hydrogel and opens avenues for combined therapeutic effects, balancing tissue support with ongoing bioactive delivery.
Historically, researchers at institutions like NUST MISIS have explored related approaches that aim to translate laboratory advances into tangible medical benefits. The current work reflects a growing emphasis on materials that harmonize with the body’s natural structure while delivering therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. The researchers point to the collaboration between MIPT and the Kurchatov Institute as a key driver of progress in this field, with support from institutions that focus on translational science and biocompatible materials. The overall takeaway is that biodegradable, tissue-mimicking hydrogels hold significant promise for enhancing regeneration, drug delivery, and disease management in clinical settings, including challenges posed by drug resistant infections. Attribution is provided by the Kurchatov Institute and participating partners as reported in the program notes and conference briefings.