Dual ROS modulation by MnO2-integrated collagen hydrogel enhances hiPSC-derived endothelial progenitor cell therapy for critical limb ischemia

Rationale: Cell therapy shows significant potential in treating ischemic diseases, such as critical limb ischemia. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are considered ideal candidates, but their clinical efficacy is often limited due to the scarcity of suitable sources and poor post-transplant survival. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived EPCs (hiPSC-EPCs) offer a scalable and promising alternative. Additionally, injectable hybrid hydrogels can enhance cell retention and eliminate harmful components in the microenvironment, such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). However, conventional biomaterials are insufficient in mitigating intracellular oxidative stress induced by ischemia.

Methods: hiPSC-EPCs were generated by inducing hiPSC with growth factors and small molecules. Manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO₂-NPs) were synthesized by dissolving MnO₂ in an aqueous NaOH solution and neutralizing the mixture under sonication. MnO₂-NPs hybrid hydrogel was prepared by exploiting the thermal-triggered sol-gel transition of Collagen. The treatment efficacy of hiPSC-EPCs and MnO₂-NPs hybrid hydrogel was assessed in a hindlimb ischemia mouse model. The protective effect of MnO₂-NPs on hiPSC-EPCs under oxidative stress was explored via immunofluorescence staining, transcriptome Sequencing, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, mitochondrial function assays, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: In this study, we developed an injectable Collagen hydrogel with high clinical translational potential, incorporated with MnO₂-NPs for the delivery of hiPSC-EPCs. Upon injection, the hydrogel undergoes thermal-triggered gelation, ensuring efficient cell retention at the ischemic site. More importantly, MnO₂-NPs provide a dual protective function by scavenging extracellular ROS and mitigating intracellular ROS via upregulation of MnSOD in transplanted hiPSC-EPCs. This comprehensive modulation of ROS significantly improves cell survival and functionality. Consequently, the protected hiPSC-EPCs robustly promote angiogenesis, restoring blood perfusion and improving limb salvage in critical limb ischemia.

Conclusions: This MnO₂-based strategy represents a novel dual-action approach for enhancing cell therapy in ischemic diseases.