Synergistic kappa-carrageenan/konjac-glucomannan hydrogels for the tunable and controlled release of biomimetic nanoparticles

Biomimetic nanoparticles (BNPs), which integrate biologically active materials such as cell membrane proteins, represent an emerging class of nanoparticles with therapeutic potential. However, the controlled release of these nanoparticles from hydrogels remains challenging due to their relatively large size compared to the hydrogel mesh size, which hinders diffusion. This research aimed to fabricate a dissolvable hydrogel platform incorporating novel BNPs for controlled release and to evaluate its therapeutic effects. Specifically, we developed a procedure for the fabrication of synergetic hydrogel using two soluble polysaccharides, namely konjac glucomannan (KGM) and kappa-carrageenan (KCAR), at low temperatures that preserve the BNPs' biological functionality. The physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of these hydrogels, as well as the controlled release of BNPs, were characterized. The results demonstrate the self-healing and shear-thinning properties of the hydrogels. Using potassium ions as a physical cross-linker improved the hydrogel's mechanical properties and allowed the tuning of the BNPs' release rate. Additionally, in vitro tests in an inflammation model showed that the BNPs containing hydrogel reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF α) cytokine levels without significantly affecting cell viability. This novel hydrogel platform offers a promising approach for the tunable controlled release of BNPs, with potential applications for inflammation and other therapeutic models.