A newly developed hydrogel may provide a durable, minimally invasive treatment for vocal cord injuries.
Scientists at McGill University have created a novel hydrogel that could potentially repair damaged vocal cords. Initial findings indicate the material might provide a more durable treatment for those who experience voice loss due to injury.
Scarring of the vocal cords often leads to permanent voice loss. Current injectable treatments break down rapidly in the body, necessitating repeated injections that can potentially damage the delicate tissue they aim to repair.
Scarred vocal cords often result in permanent voice loss. Current injectable treatments degrade quickly, requiring multiple injections that can potentially damage the delicate tissue they are intended to repair.
Durable Injectable Gel
In a preclinical study published in Biomaterials, researchers found that their newly developed gel remained stable for several weeks in lab and animal tests, outlasting currently used injectable materials and potentially allowing injured vocal cords more time to heal.
The hydrogel is made from naturally occurring tissue proteins, processed into a powder and then transformed into a gel. Its durability is enhanced using a method called click chemistry.
“This technique is what makes our approach unique,” said co-senior author Maryam Tabrizian, professor in McGill’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine.
“It functions like a molecular glue, holding the material together so it remains stable longer after injection.”
Factors and Frequency of Voice Loss
Vocal cord injuries frequently affect older adults with acid reflux or a history of smoking, as well as individuals who use their voices extensively for work, such as singers, teachers, and radio hosts.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, about one in 13 adults experiences a voice disorder annually.
Senior author Nicole Li-Jessen, a clinician-scientist and pianist who collaborates with singers, has witnessed the profound impact of voice loss on performers.
“Many take their voices for granted, but losing it can seriously affect mental health and quality of life, particularly for those who rely on it for their careers,” said Li-Jessen, associate professor in McGill’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Personalized Medicine of Upper Airway Health and Diseases.
Future Directions
The team is now planning to test the gel in computer simulations that replicate its behavior in the body. After validating these results, they aim to progress to human trials. If successful, this approach could lead to a minimally invasive, longer-lasting treatment for voice loss.
Read the original article on: SciTechDaily
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