A Novel Thermosensitive Curcumin-Loaded Hydrogel That Modulates Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization for Osteoarthritis Therapy.

ABSTRACT: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, inflammation, and pain, for which conventional systemic therapies often lack sustained efficacy. Therefore, localized delivery platforms that provide both sustained release and therapeutic activity are urgently needed. We developed a thermosensitive injectable hydrogel-hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC)-that transitions from a sol to a gel at physiological temperature (37 °C). Curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound with poor bioavailability, was loaded to create a composite hydrogel system (Cur@HBC). HBC exhibited excellent injectability, stability, and biocompatibility. Cur@HBC enabled sustained release of curcumin and significantly attenuated OA progression in vivo, as evidenced by reduced cartil

SUBMITTER: Zhou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840833 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature