DeCodeGels · De-Coding Adhesion, Degradation and Immunomodulation Properties of Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels for Programmed Tendon Regeneration

Despite recent advances there is still a clear need for injectable and regenerative biomaterials that can spatiotemporally modulate the inflammation and, in parallel, induce the desired regenerative pathways. Usually, biopolymeric hydrogels need a narrow and somewhat opposite set of physical and biological properties which allow for their degradation, adhesion as well as immune cell invasion to allow complete tissue regeneration. To resolve this issue, following my unique interdisciplinary expertise, I plan to develop new injectable self-assembling peptides (SAPs) biomaterials that simultaneously: i) possess improved adhesion to local tissues in vivo, ii) exhibit controlled degradation matching the desired regeneration outcome, and iii) allow tissue regeneration by enabling controlled immune cells invasion and progression of inflammation from neighbouring tissues. The basic rules for decoupling these properties will have broad implications to the biomedical community. Following injury, inflammation is the trigger of tissue repair, however, chronic inflammation is detrimental. The persistent inflammatory nature of tendinopathy contributes to localized tissue damage, often developing to a low-grade chronic inflammation with recurring tears. Unlike conventional anti-inflammatory therapies that merely address symptoms, DeCodeGels introduces an innovative therapeutic strategy utilizing temporally modulating SAPs biomaterials. This groundbreaking approach aims to i) initially induce a controlled, localized pro-inflammatory state, then ii) gradually transition this state to an anti-inflammatory environment over time to ultimately achieve a dual-purpose therapy that reverses chronic inflammation and promotes therapeutically driven healthy tissue regeneration. This single, multifaceted treatment has the potential to revolutionize our approach to chronic inflammatory conditions, offering a path to true healing rather than just symptomatic relief.