Cell Shock Absorption via Stress Relaxation Hydrogel Microspheres for Alleviating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Chondrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Chronic mechanical vibrations and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are major contributors to osteoarthritis (OA) progression. This study proposes a novel "cellular shock absorption" approach by developing viscoelastic hydrogel microspheres with tunable stress relaxation properties. By modulating the chemical bonds in the hydrogel network through oxidation and hydrazine coupling reaction, hydrogel microspheres capable of absorbing shock and reducing mechanical stimulus-induced ER stress in chondrocytes are created. Cationic liposomes, modified with the cartilage-targeting peptide Wyrgrl and loaded with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), are encapsulated within these hydrogel microspheres. The microspheres not only dissipate intra-articular impact forces, reducing vibration and pressure tra

SUBMITTER: Zhao D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12267986 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature