(1) Journal Source: Bioactive Materials

(2) Title: DNA‑adsorbing nanozyme hydrogel reprograms the immuno‑oxidative microenvironment to support stem cell‑based cartilage repair in osteoarthritis

(3) Research Highlights: In this work, an injectable MNKB/HA composite hydrogel was designed, which integrates Mn₃O₄ nanozymes and KGN-pretreated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into a hyaluronic acid matrix. Targeting the harsh immuno-oxidative microenvironment of osteoarthritis, in vitro cellular experiments and rat animal model studies were performed to investigate the capacity of the material to remodel the pathological microenvironment, protect stem cells and facilitate cartilage repair.

(4) Innovations: Scavenge reactive oxygen species and adsorb free cfDNA simultaneously to dually block the TLR9/MyD88 inflammatory pathway; combine microenvironment modulation with the phenotypic stability of stem cells; achieve intra-articular local delivery via a thermoresponsive hyaluronic acid matrix; conduct in vitro validation using human osteoarthritic synovial fluid.

(5) Material Development ① Materials: Mn₃O₄ nanozymes; KGN-pretreated BMSCs; thermosensitive hyaluronic acid composite hydrogel carrier MNKB/HA. ② Functions: The nanozymes scavenge multiple types of reactive oxygen species and adsorb cfDNA to modulate macrophage phenotypes; protect stem cells and chondrocytes from oxidative damage; KGN maintains the chondrogenic phenotype of stem cells; the hydrogel is injectable and in-situ gelling to enable local retention within joints.

(6) Outlook for Further Research: The respective contribution ratios of cfDNA and ROS can be further analyzed; the long-term phenotypic stability of materials and cells in vivo can be explored; hydrogel degradation behavior and material biosafety can be optimized; validation can be expanded using different osteoarthritis models.

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