Microcrystalline-Infused Peptide Hydrogel Enables Sustained Tacrolimus Delivery to Prolong Survival and Prevent Rejection in Kidney Transplantation - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #kidney transplantation
- #hydrogel
- #tacrolimus
- Tacrolimus (TAC) is crucial for immunosuppressive therapy post-kidney transplantation but has challenges like a narrow therapeutic window and patient adherence issues.
- A novel injectable self-assembling peptide hydrogel was developed to encapsulate TAC within a microcrystalline phase for sustained release.
- The hydrogel maintains therapeutic TAC blood concentrations (5-15 ng/mL) for seven days post-injection.
- In a vascularized composite allotransplant model, the TAC-loaded hydrogel preserved skin integrity and vessel sutures, indicating tissue preservation potential.
- In a kidney transplantation model, rats treated with the TAC-loaded hydrogel showed significantly improved survival (68 days) compared to oral administration (21 days).
- Histopathological and blood analysis confirmed minimal inflammation, intact tissue architecture, and no systemic toxicity in hydrogel-treated grafts.
- The multiphase assembly strategy offers a promising approach for controlled TAC release, improving patient outcomes in organ transplantation.