Janus hydrogel microrobots with bioactive ions for the regeneration of tendon-bone interface

Zichuan Ding, Yongrui Cai, Haocheng Sun, Xiao Rong, Sipei Ye, Jiaxuan Fan, Yahao Lai, Zhimin Liang, Chao Huang, Peilin Li, Xiaoxue Fu, Liu Wang, Guosheng Tang (), Zongke Zhou () and Zeyu Luo ()
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Zichuan Ding: Sichuan University
Yongrui Cai: Sichuan University
Haocheng Sun: Sichuan University
Xiao Rong: Sichuan University
Sipei Ye: University of Science and Technology of China
Jiaxuan Fan: Sichuan University
Yahao Lai: Sichuan University
Zhimin Liang: Sichuan University
Chao Huang: Sichuan University
Peilin Li: Sichuan University
Xiaoxue Fu: Sichuan University
Liu Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Guosheng Tang: Guangzhou Medical University
Zongke Zhou: Sichuan University
Zeyu Luo: Sichuan University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Abstract Regenerating natural gradients of the tendon‒bone interface (TBI) is a major challenge in the reconstruction of rotator cuff tear (RCT). In this study, magnetic Janus hydrogel microrobots to match the TBI orientation during RCT reconstruction surgery are developed via a biofriendly gas-shearing microfluidic platform. Through separate loading of Mg2+ and Zn2+, the microrobots facilitate the immediate restoration and long-term maintenance of the natural mineral gradient in the TBI after implantation and alignment through magnetic manipulation. In vitro studies confirm the spatiotemporal cell phenotype modulation effects of the microrobots. In a rat RCT model, microrobots synchronously promote the bone and tendon regeneration, and the restoration of gradient tendon‒bone transition structures in the TBI. Overall, by rebuilding the Mg2+/Zn2+ mineral gradient, cell phenotype gradient and structural gradient of the TBI, magnetic Janus microrobots loaded with dual bioactive ions represent a promising strategy for promoting TBI healing in RCT reconstruction surgery.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57499-x

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