Smart Hydrogel-Coated Implants Help Aging Bones Heal by Removing Old Cells and Boosting Blood Vessel Growth

A smart, ROS-responsive hydrogel-coated titanium implant loaded with copper-dihydromyricetin nanoparticles may enhance bone repair in aging environments.

• The implant releases copper-dihydromyricetin nanoparticles in response to oxidative stress, which is linked to cellular senescence.
• It reduces excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation and restores mitochondrial function in mesenchymal stem cells.
• The material promotes the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, facilitating the formation of type H vessels.
• Type H vessel formation is associated with improved bone tissue regeneration.
• In vivo experiments indicate that the implant accelerates bone repair by restoring the local microenvironment and enhancing vascularization.

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