Arthritis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, often causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While current treatments can help manage symptoms, they frequently come with side effects and require frequent dosing. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new biomaterial that may offer a more precise and responsive way to deliver treatment directly to inflamed joints.
The innovation is a synthetic cartilage-like material that responds to changes in the body’s chemistry. Specifically, it detects shifts in pH levels that occur during arthritis flare-ups. When inflammation causes the joint environment to become more acidic, the material softens and releases anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the affected tissue.
This targeted delivery system reduces exposure to healthy areas and minimizes side effects. In laboratory tests, the material released significantly more medication under acidic conditions while remaining stable in neutral environments. This means patients could receive relief only when symptoms are active, without the need for constant dosing.
The material is built using a polymer network with reversible crosslinks. These allow the structure to change its mechanical properties in response to environmental cues. Researchers can fine-tune the material’s sensitivity and drug release profile, making it adaptable for different types of arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Beyond arthritis, the technology may have applications in cancer treatment, wound healing, and other areas where localized drug delivery is important. The team is already exploring how the material could be modified to respond to other biological signals, such as temperature or enzyme activity.
One of the key advantages of this approach is its simplicity. The material can be injected directly into the joint and remains in place for extended periods. It does not require electronics or external triggers, making it suitable for a wide range of clinical settings.
Article from Cambridge University: ‘Artificial cartilage’ could improve arthritis treatment
Abstract in the Journal of the American Chemical Society: Kinetic Locking of pH-Sensitive Complexes for Mechanically Responsive Polymer Networks
