Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease involves progressive dopaminergic neuron degeneration and elevated oxidative stress. Targeted delivery of neurotrophic factors like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) remains a therapeutic challenge due to the need for site-specific, stimulusresponsive release. Methods: We developed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive hydrogel designed to release GDNF upon exposure to oxidative signals. The hydrogel’s degradation behavior and release kinetics were assessed under physiological and oxidative conditions. Bioactivity of the released GDNF was evaluated in vitro using ROS-damaged neuronal cells. Results: The hydrogel showed high stability under normal conditions but degraded rapidly in the presence of H₂O₂, enabling dose-dependent GDNF release. Released GDNF retained biological activity, promoting neuronal survival and neurite extension. Conclusion: This ROS-responsive hydrogel represents a promising platform for oxidative stress-triggered neurorepair and site-specific neuromodulation in Parkinson’s disease therapy.
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; ROS-responsive hydrogel; GDNF; neurotrophic delivery; oxidative stress; neuroprotection; site-specific release