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Janus hydrogel microrobots with bioactive ions for the regeneration of tendon-bone interface

Author

Listed:
  • Zichuan Ding

    (Sichuan University
    Sichuan University)

  • Yongrui Cai

    (Sichuan University)

  • Haocheng Sun

    (Sichuan University)

  • Xiao Rong

    (Sichuan University)

  • Sipei Ye

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jiaxuan Fan

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yahao Lai

    (Sichuan University)

  • Zhimin Liang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Chao Huang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Peilin Li

    (Sichuan University)

  • Xiaoxue Fu

    (Sichuan University)

  • Liu Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Guosheng Tang

    (Guangzhou Medical University)

  • Zongke Zhou

    (Sichuan University)

  • Zeyu Luo

    (Sichuan University)

Abstract

Regenerating natural gradients of the tendon‒bone interface (TBI) is a major challenge in the reconstruction of rotator cuff tear (RCT). In this study, magnetic Janus hydrogel microrobots to match the TBI orientation during RCT reconstruction surgery are developed via a biofriendly gas-shearing microfluidic platform. Through separate loading of Mg2+ and Zn2+, the microrobots facilitate the immediate restoration and long-term maintenance of the natural mineral gradient in the TBI after implantation and alignment through magnetic manipulation. In vitro studies confirm the spatiotemporal cell phenotype modulation effects of the microrobots. In a rat RCT model, microrobots synchronously promote the bone and tendon regeneration, and the restoration of gradient tendon‒bone transition structures in the TBI. Overall, by rebuilding the Mg2+/Zn2+ mineral gradient, cell phenotype gradient and structural gradient of the TBI, magnetic Janus microrobots loaded with dual bioactive ions represent a promising strategy for promoting TBI healing in RCT reconstruction surgery.

Suggested Citation

  • Zichuan Ding & Yongrui Cai & Haocheng Sun & Xiao Rong & Sipei Ye & Jiaxuan Fan & Yahao Lai & Zhimin Liang & Chao Huang & Peilin Li & Xiaoxue Fu & Liu Wang & Guosheng Tang & Zongke Zhou & Zeyu Luo, 2025. "Janus hydrogel microrobots with bioactive ions for the regeneration of tendon-bone interface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57499-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57499-x
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