Challenges in functional hydrogel application for chronic tympanic membrane perforation: practical limitations and lessons learned.

ABSTRACT: Chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations often persist due to oxidative stress and hypoxia in the middle ear. A minimally invasive, biocompatible hydrogel addressing these challenges could serve as an effective therapeutic dressing. A thiolated chitosan (CS-SH) and manganese porphyrin (MnP)-conjugated polyethylene glycol maleimide (MnP-PEG-MAL) hydrogel (Ch_MnP) was developed through in situ gelation via Michael addition reaction. Its mechanical properties and antioxidant activities (SOD- and CAT-like), were evaluated in vitro. For in vivo testing, Ch_MnP hydrogel was transtympanically injected into a chronic TM perforation rat model. Efficacy and safety were assessed using endoscopy, 3D computed tomography (CT), auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, and histological analysis. The

SUBMITTER: Narantsolmon GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12824086 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature