X-ray-activated polymerization expanding the frontiers of deep-tissue hydrogel formation

Hailei Zhang (), Boyan Tang, Bo Zhang, Kai Huang, Shanshan Li, Yuangong Zhang, Haisong Zhang, Libin Bai, Yonggang Wu, Yongqiang Cheng, Yanmin Yang () and Gang Han ()
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Hailei Zhang: Hebei University
Boyan Tang: Hebei University
Bo Zhang: Hebei University
Kai Huang: Worcester
Shanshan Li: Hebei University
Yuangong Zhang: Hebei University
Haisong Zhang: Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University
Libin Bai: Hebei University
Yonggang Wu: Hebei University
Yongqiang Cheng: Hebei University
Yanmin Yang: Hebei University
Gang Han: Worcester

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Photo-crosslinking polymerization stands as a fundamental pillar in the domains of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Yet, prevailing strategies heavily rely on ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) light to elicit in situ crosslinking. The inherent perils associated with UV radiation, namely the potential for DNA damage, coupled with the limited depth of tissue penetration exhibited by UV/Vis light, severely restrict the scope of photo-crosslinking within living organisms. Although near-infrared light has been explored as an external excitation source, enabling partial mitigation of these constraints, its penetration depth remains insufficient, particularly within bone tissues. In this study, we introduce an approach employing X-ray activation for deep-tissue hydrogel formation, surpassing all previous boundaries. Our approach harnesses a low-dose X-ray-activated persistent luminescent phosphor, triggering on demand in situ photo-crosslinking reactions and enabling the formation of hydrogels in male rats. A breakthrough of our method lies in its capability to penetrate deep even within thick bovine bone, demonstrating unmatched potential for bone penetration. By extending the reach of hydrogel formation within such formidable depths, our study represents an advancement in the field. This application of X-ray-activated polymerization enables precise and safe deep-tissue photo-crosslinking hydrogel formation, with profound implications for a multitude of disciplines.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47559-z

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