Researchers have developed a new hydrogel that shows early promise as a potential treatment for individuals with vocal cord injuries.
Voice loss is often permanent when scarring forms on the vocal cords. Current injectable treatments break down quickly, which can force patients to get repeated procedures that can further damage the delicate tissue.
In a preclinical study published in the journal Biomaterials, scientists reported that their new gel resisted breakdown for weeks in lab and animal tests, outlasting current injectable materials and giving vocal cords a better chance to heal.
The gel is produced from natural tissue proteins that are processed into a powder and then transformed into a gel.
To make it last longer, the team employed a process known as click chemistry.
Co-senior author Maryam Tabrizian, professor in McGill’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine, said: ‘This process is what makes our approach unique. It acts like a molecular glue, locking the material together so it doesn’t fall apart too quickly once injected.;
Vocal cord injuries are prevalent among older adults who have acid reflux or who smoke, and people who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers and radio hosts.
Senior author Nicole Li-Jessen, a clinician-scientist who is also a pianist, has seen first-hand how devastating voice loss can be for singers especially.
Li-Jessen, associate professor in McGill’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Personalised Medicine of Upper Airway Health and Diseases, said: ‘People take their voices for granted, but losing it can deeply affect mental health and quality of life, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on it.’
The researchers plan to test the gel in computer simulations that mimic its behaviour in the body. Once those results are validated, they hope to move toward human trials. If successful, the work could pave the way for a minimally invasive, longer-lasting treatment for voice loss.
