Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage to break down and lubricate, leading to pain and limited mobility. According to the World Health Organization, osteoarthritis affected more than 528 million people in 2019.
Previous methods such as saline solutions or corticosteroid injections have been used, but these did not completely eliminate friction and pain. A new hydrogel developed by Chinese scientists is showing higher efficiency.
Hydrogel is created on the basis of polymers and hollow spheres mixed with gelatin and special monomers. Targeted antibodies are added to the microspheres and bind to damaged cartilage to ensure fixation in the joint.
Tests on rats showed that hydrogel injection increased lubrication, reduced friction, and improved joint mobility. In addition, it prevented further joint damage, making it a promising treatment for early-stage osteoarthritis.
Source: Ferra
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