10.57647/jnsc.2026.1603.14

Viscoelastic Janus Nanohydrogels for IL-1β Binding: Synthesis, Structure, and Release Kinetics

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  • Lingyan Peng1,
  • Guohong Yuan2,
  • Guanghao Wu3,
  • Xiaohui Yin4,
  • Yong Zhang4,
  • Xiangying Ouyang1,
  • Jing*4,
  1. Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, 100081, China
  2. National Research Institute for Family Planning National Human Genetic Resources Center
  3. School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
  4. First Clinical Division, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, 100034, China

Received: 25-12-2025

Revised: 27-01-2025

Accepted: 14-02-2025

Published in Issue 30-06-2026

Copyright (c) 2026 Lingyan Peng, Guohong Yuan, Guanghao Wu, Xiaohui Yin, Yong Zhang, Xiangying Ouyang, Jing (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Peng, L., Yuan, G., Wu, G., Yin, X., Zhang, Y., Ouyang, X., & Jing. (2026). Viscoelastic Janus Nanohydrogels for IL-1β Binding: Synthesis, Structure, and Release Kinetics. Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry, 16(3 (June 2026). https://doi.org/10.57647/jnsc.2026.1603.14
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Abstract

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine central to the pathogenesis of numerous autoinflammatory and chronic inflammatory diseases. Current systemic anti-IL-1β therapies, while effective, are associated with significant side effects, necessitating the development of materials for localized immunomodulation. This study reports the design, synthesis, and comprehensive characterization of a novel, dual-function Viscoelastic Janus Nanohydrogel (VJNH) platform for the simultaneous sequestration of IL-1β and controlled release of an anti-inflammatory therapeutic. VJNHs were synthesized with an asymmetric Au@SiO₂ inorganic core; the gold (Au) face was functionalized with a high-affinity DNA aptamer for IL-1β capture, while the silica (SiO₂) face served as an anchor for a viscoelastic hydrogel shell. This shell was formed via dynamic Schiff base (C=N) chemistry between aldehyde-functionalized hyaluronic acid (oHA) and amine-rich gelatin. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the asymmetric Janus morphology and spatially segregated surface chemistry. Rheological analysis demonstrated the ECM-mimetic viscoelastic properties of the network, including high solid-like character (G' > G'') and rapid stress relaxation (relaxation time τ ≈ 120 s), attributed to the dynamic covalent linkages. A comparative study identified an optimal VJNH-2 (1:1 oHA:Gelatin) formulation, which exhibited superior IL-1β binding capacity (≈ 180 ng/mg). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed high-affinity and specific binding, with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kₙ) of 1.24 nM. Concurrently, the VJNHs demonstrated sustained, pH-responsive release of a model drug (Dexamethasone), fitting a Fickian diffusion mechanism (Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models). All VJNH formulations were non-cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts. These results establish VJNHs as a sophisticated "sense-and-respond" platform, synergizing spatial, mechanical, and chemical functionalities for advanced, localized treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Keywords

  • Aptamer,
  • Dexamethasone,
  • Immunomodulation,
  • Periodontitis,
  • Schiff Base
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