In vivo vocal fold augmentation using an injectable polyethylene glycol hydrogel based on click chemistry

Biomater Sci. 2021 Jan 5;9(1):108-115. doi: 10.1039/d0bm01155j.

Abstract

It is important to focus on urgent needs in clinics and develop optimal materials. For successful augmentation of vocal folds, the ideal filler should be injectable through a syringe, and should stably maintain its volume for a long time without toxicity. To achieve these criteria, a click chemistry-based PEG (polyethylene glycol) hydrogel was developed and applied for vocal fold augmentation in vivo. The PEG hydrogel enables fast gelation in vivo after injection and provides long-term stability. Azide- and dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-modified 4-arm PEG were cross-linked by chemical conjugation via click chemistry and yielded gelation within several minutes. After subcutaneous injection into mice and rats, the PEG hydrogel showed higher stability after 1 month compared to the traditionally used calcium hydroxyapatite-carboxymethyl cellulose (CaHA-CMC) filler. In rabbit models with vocal fold paralysis, the PEG hydrogel stably fixed the paralyzed vocal fold in 4 months and minimized the glottic gap. It was an improved therapeutic result compared to CaHA-CMC, demonstrating the potential of a click chemistry-based PEG hydrogel for vocal fold therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Click Chemistry*
  • Hydrogels
  • Mice
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Vocal Cords*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyethylene Glycols