Innovative Biodegradable Hydrogel Coupled with Acupuncture Shows Potential for Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed an advanced biodegradable, electroconductive, and self-healing hydrogel that, when combined with traditional acupuncture, offers promising therapeutic benefits for Parkinson's disease. This innovative material is designed to restore motor functions and protect neural cells in animal models.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by tremors, slowed movements, and coordination difficulties. Current treatments mainly offer symptomatic relief without halting disease progression. To address this, the team led by Prof. Shan-hui Hsu created a novel hydrogel that mimics brain tissue properties. Made by coating polyurethane nanoparticles with polydopamine—known for its antioxidant qualities—and blending them with chitosan, the hydrogel is soft, injectable, and capable of conducting electrical signals. Its ability to self-heal and degrade naturally within the body makes it highly suitable for medical applications.

Laboratory tests revealed that the hydrogel effectively supported neural stem cell growth, encouraging their development into healthy neurons. It also significantly reduced inflammation and repaired nearly 90% of damaged neural cells. When tested in rats exhibiting Parkinsonian symptoms, the combination of the hydrogel and acupuncture resulted in substantial improvements. Within just two weeks, treated rats demonstrated enhanced motor abilities, increased survival of dopamine-producing neurons, and reduced brain inflammation. Electrophysiological patterns in their brains approached those of healthy animals.

According to Prof. Hsu, integrating biomaterials like this hydrogel with traditional therapies such as acupuncture could open new therapeutic pathways for neurological disorders like Parkinson's. The study was published in the journal Biomaterials and highlights a significant step towards innovative, minimally invasive treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases.

This research underscores the potential of combining advanced biomaterials with established traditional medicine to develop effective treatments for complex neurological conditions.