A T 1 MRI detectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel for in vivo tracking after intracerebral injection in stroke.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Injectable hydrogels have emerged as a promising strategy for treating stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, but their effectiveness depends on precise injection, defect filling, and long-term retention at the target site. While MRI can help visualize hydrogels, distinguishing them from fluid-filled spaces, like a post-stroke cavity at a chronic stage, is challenging owing to their high water content and similar MR properties. In this study, a T 1 MRI detectable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel that is injectable and self-healing was developed for in vivo tracking after intracerebral injection in stroke. This HA hydrogel was functionalized with a thermodynamically stable and kinetically inert gadolinium(III) complex for monitoring its long-term fate in the brain with T 1 -contrast enhanced MRI. The dynamic covalent cross-links based on boronate ester bonds in the hydrogel network ensured precise injection and instantaneous self-healing. The HA network did not induce adverse tissue response and was biocompatible with therapeutic cells (human adipose stromal/stem cells). Furthermore, this labeling strategy enabled accurate tracking of hydrogel distribution and degradation in stroke condition, allowing a better assessment of efficacy and safety. This MRI-visible hydrogel has significant potential as a scaffold for stem cells, growth factors, and/or drugs, paving the way for more eff

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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