A novel MRI contrast agent NaGdF@PEG-CLS@MMP-13 NPs for detecting articular cartilage injury.

Early detection of cartilage injuries is crucial due to their limited self-repair capacity and risk of joint dysfunction. Conventional contrast agents like gadolinium-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) offer low specificity and T1 relaxivity (r1), limiting MRI application. This study introduces NaGdF nanoparticles (NPs) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cholesterol (CLS) to enhance hydrophilicity and lipophilicity.

Restoring tendon microenvironment in tendinopathy: Macrophage modulation and tendon regeneration with injectable tendon hydrogel and tendon-derived stem cells exosomes.

Tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder in which a significant number of patients do not attain effective therapeutic outcomes. The extent of the inflammatory response and the dynamics of collagen synthesis metabolism are critical factors that influence the intrinsic self-repair capacity of tendons. However, the poor microenvironment within the tendon significantly impedes the self-repair process in tendinopathy.