(1) Journal Source: Chemical Engineering Journal

(2) Title: Injectable photo-crosslinkable GelMA hydrogel incorporating quercetin@Zif-8 nanocarriers for osteoimmunomodulation and bone regeneration

(3) Research Idea: In this study, an injectable, photo-crosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel loaded with quercetin@ZIF-8 nanoparticles (Que@Zif-8/Gel) was designed. As a controlled-release carrier for quercetin, ZIF-8 enables the co-release of quercetin and Zn²⁺. It promotes angiogenesis by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to drive macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, and facilitates osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, thereby achieving integrated repair via osteoimmunomodulation and vascularized osteogenesis.

(4) Material Development: Materials: gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel matrix, ZIF-8 nanoparticles loaded with quercetin. Functions: GelMA provides a three-dimensional scaffold and injectability; ZIF-8 achieves controlled release of quercetin and Zn²⁺; quercetin exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic and pro-osteogenic effects; Zn²⁺ synergistically enhances osteogenic signals; the whole system realizes the synergy of immune regulation, angiogenesis and bone regeneration.

(5) Innovations: Quercetin@ZIF-8 nanoparticles were combined with GelMA hydrogel for the first time to construct a multifunctional platform with both osteoimmunomodulatory and vascularized osteogenic functions. The dual mechanism was revealed, in which quercetin promotes angiogenesis through the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway and regulates macrophage polarization via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Low-concentration ZIF-8 was used as a drug carrier to realize the stability and sustained release of quercetin, while exerting the synergistic effect of Zn²⁺.

We provide full-process services for custom material design, including innovative scheme design, fabrication, characterization, and in vitro & in vivo validation (cell and animal studies). Our postdoctoral team with multiple high-impact Q1 publications can tackle your challenging research demands. Our scope covers hydrogels, drug delivery systems, nanomaterials, polymers, liposomes, microneedles and more. We support project design, NSFC proposal writing, and high-quality SCI manuscripts for journals such as AFM, AM and other Q1/Q2 journals. Enquiries are welcome👇

17768014569 (Dr.Gao)

17761925168 (Dr. Zhang)

18013729810 (Dr. Yang)