The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Hydrogel-based biomaterials are promising for bone tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility, but limited mechanical strength and bioactivity hinder their application. Here, a multifunctional hydrogel composed of methacrylate-modified hyaluronic acid (HAMA), MXene, and salmon-derived DNA was developed to improve mechanical and osteogenic performance. HAMA synthesis was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Enhanced mechanical properties were attributed to chemical interactions among HAMA, MXene, and DNA, forming a reinforced network. MXene promoted angiogenesis and supported bone regeneration, while salmon-derived DNA provided bioactive cues for osteogenic activity. In vitro studies showed high cell viability, and in vivo experiments demonstrated enhanced bone regeneration and tissue integration compared to controls. These findings suggest that the Multifuctional hydrogel is a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering.