Injectable bioadhesive and lubricating hydrogel with polyphenol mediated single atom nanozyme for rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune condition accompanied by lubrication dysfunction, inflammatory infiltration, and cartilage wear. Long-term improvements in joint lubrication, inflammation elimination, and worn cartilage repair are crucial for effective RA treatment. Herein, we present an injectable bioadhesive and lubricating hydrogel containing a dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid (DA-HA) network, sulfonated hyaluronic acid (SO3−-HA) network, and kartogenin (KGN)-grafted dopamine-hybridized graphene quantum dot-supported Cu single-atom nanozyme (DAGQD@Cu@KGN SAN) designed to restore cartilage lubrication and repair worn cartilage in RA. DA within the hydrogel networks provides bioadhesion, allowing it to persist in the joint cavity for extended periods. The hydrogel with SO3− group offer lubricity, reducing friction coefficient and alleviating cartilage wear. The DAGQD@Cu@KGN SAN exhibits excellent superoxide dismutase, catalase, and •OH scavenging activities, effectively inhibiting inflammation. KGN is sustainably released from the hydrogel, recruiting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to repair damaged cartilage by promoting their differentiation into chondrocytes. In vivo experimental results demonstrate that this injectable bioadhesive and lubricating hydrogel not only prevents cartilage wear and tear, providing long-term anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory effects in early RA, but also repaired damaged cartilage in late-stage RA. This bio-adhesive and lubricating hydrogel presents a potential full-cycle strategy for RA therapy. Injectable hydrogels are being explored for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) therapy, but most existing injectable hydrogels address only specific aspects of the RA pathological microenvironment. Here, the authors report an injectable bioadhesive and lubricating hydrogel, that prevents cartilage wear, provides long-term anti-inflammatory effects, and repairs damaged cartilage for RA therapy.