This study focuses on addressing clinical challenges such as poor repair quality and the tendency for heterotopic ossification following tendon injuries. The team designed and developed a functional hydrogel material, CGT, which responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and uses capsaicin as its core bioactive component.

In in vitro experiments, the research team tested the effects of CGT hydrogel on tendon stem/progenitor cell (TSPC) function under an IL-1β-induced inflammatory environment. The study found that CGT hydrogel significantly improved TSPC dysfunction, upregulated the expression levels of tendon-related markers including Scx, Tnmd, and Mkx, and promoted collagen synthesis.

At the same time, CGT hydrogel effectively inhibited the tendency for osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by the downregulation of osteogenic markers (OCN, Runx-2), reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and inhibition of calcium nodule formation.

From the perspective of its mechanism of action, studies have revealed that CGT may regulate the inflammatory microenvironment by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, thereby reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β).

At the level of animal experiments, the research team applied CGT hydrogel alone or in combination with exogenous TSPCs to a Achilles tendon defect model in SD rats. Evaluation results eight weeks after surgery showed that the treatment group achieved orderly collagen fiber regeneration, reduced inflammatory response, effectively inhibited the formation of heterotopic ossification, and also demonstrated good biocompatibility.

Original Source

Journal Name: Materials Today Bio

Publication Date: December 24, 2025

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102707

Research Team: Yun-Liang Zhu, Si-Chao Gu, Bao-Liang Lu, Hu Sun, Zai-Yong Guan, Rui-Hua Zhou, Ting-Yong Sun, Wen Gao, Shi-Yuan Fang