biostudies-literatureLiu MNational Key R&D Program of ChinaNatural Science Foundation of Zhejiang ProvinceResearch Fund from Wenzhou Medical UniversityScientific Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Education DepartmentNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaFundamental Research Project of Wenzhou Bureau of Science and Technology24https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9857501biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)Oxidative stress is considered as a major factor causing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and finally leading to retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Developing hydrogels for RPE cell delivery, especially those with antioxidant feature, is emerging as a promising approach for AMD treatment. Herein, a readily prepared antioxidant alginate-based hydrogel was developed to serve as a cytoprotective agent for RPE cells against oxidative damage. Alg-BOB was synthesized via conjugation of benzoxaborole (BOB) to the polysaccharide backbone. Hydrogels were formed through self-crosslinking of Alg-BOB based on benzoxaborole-diol complexation. The resulting hydrogel showed porous micro-structure, pH dependent mechanical strength and excellent self-healing, remolGels (Basel, Switzerland)Self-Healing Alginate Hydrogel Formed by Dynamic Benzoxaborolate Chemistry Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells against Oxidative Damage.PMC985750152003199KYYW201916Y20180230KYQD201905152016YFC1101201Y202147886LQ20E030010Yang WNarain RHuang YPan TLiu MChen JZhu LTao CChen YNan KfalseSelf-Healing Alginate Hydrogel Formed by Dynamic Benzoxaborolate Chemistry Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells against Oxidative Damage.Oxidative stress is considered as a major factor causing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and finally leading to retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Developing hydrogels for RPE cell delivery, especially those with antioxidant feature, is emerging as a promising approach for AMD treatment. Herein, a readily prepared antioxidant alginate-based hydrogel was developed to serve as a cytoprotective agent for RPE cells against oxidative damage. Alg-BOB was synthesized via conjugation of benzoxaborole (BOB) to the polysaccharide backbone. Hydrogels were formed through self-crosslinking of Alg-BOB based on benzoxaborole-diol complexation. The resulting hydrogel showed porous micro-structure, pH dependent mechanical strength and excellent self-healing, remol2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Dec2025-04-26T00:36:36.702Z2025-04-06T09:47:58.534ZS-EPMC98575013666179210.3390/gels9010024