A Pseudo‐ <i>Mytilus Edulis</i> Foot Protein‐Based Hydrogel Adhesive with Osteo‐Vascular‐Immune Coupling Effects for Osteoporotic Bone‐Implant Integration

W Wentao Wang (College of Pharmaceutical Sciences) Z Zhenyu Li S Siming Zhang Y Yue Ma L Lei Yu Q Qidong Zhang G Guoqing Pan (Institute For Advanced Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering Jiangsu University Zhenjiang Jiangsu China) D Dechun Geng (Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University) C Chen Zhu J Jiaxiang Bai (Department of Orthopedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC Division of Life Sciences and Medicine University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui China)

Abstract

Abstract The reduced initial stability of orthopedic implants in osteoporotic bone matrices, coupled with excessive M1 macrophage polarization at bone‐implant interfaces, disrupt bone–immune homeostasis and vascularization, ultimately leading to implant loosening or failure. Inspired by the marine mussel Mytilus edulis foot protein (Mefp), a pH‐responsive multifunctional bone glue (YDC‐Gel‐Zn) with broad‐spectrum adhesion capabilities is developed for osteoporotic bone‐implant integration. This pseudo‐Mefp bioglue enables dual‐interface adhesion via catechol‐rich sequences that mediate stable metal‐phenolic coordination with metallic implants and hydrogen‐bonded/Michael addition‐driven interactions with the bone matrix, thereby improving initial implant fixation. Under osteoporotic inflammatory microenvironments, sequential dissociation of borate ester bonds and metal‒phenolic coordination facilitates the controlled release of Zn 2 ⁺ and proangiogenic/osteogenic peptides (YDC). The released Zn 2 ⁺ remodels glutathione metabolism through glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐mediated regulation of glutathione (GSH) levels, inhibits JAK1/STAT1/NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and suppresses the release of proinflammatory cytokines from senescent M1 macrophages, recalibrating the osteo‐vascular‐immune microenvironment. Due to its positive effects on bone regeneration and angiogenesis, the bioinspired bone bioglue demonstrated a 194% increase in fixation strength in osteoporotic rat models, achieving 93% healthy bone‐implant stability. Overall, this study provides a clinically translatable strategy for stable implantation under osteoporotic conditions through synergistic mechanical adaptation, bioactivity regulation, and smart environmental responsiveness.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 6
Published January 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

W

Wentao Wang

College of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Z

Zhenyu Li

S

Siming Zhang

Y

Yue Ma

L

Lei Yu

Q

Qidong Zhang

G

Guoqing Pan

Institute For Advanced Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering Jiangsu University Zhenjiang Jiangsu China

D

Dechun Geng

Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University

C

Chen Zhu

J

Jiaxiang Bai

Department of Orthopedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC Division of Life Sciences and Medicine University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui China