Researchers at McGill University have developed a novel hydrogel that holds promise as a treatment for individuals suffering from vocal cord injuries.
Permanent loss of voice largely results from scarring on the vocal folds. Existing injectable therapies degrade rapidly, requiring repeated procedures that can further compromise the fragile tissue.
In a preclinical investigation reported in Biomaterials, the team demonstrated that their new gel remained stable for several weeks in laboratory and animal experiments, surpassing the longevity of current injectable options and giving the vocal folds a better chance for regeneration.
The material originates from naturally occurring tissue proteins that are milled into a powder and then reconstituted into a gel. To extend its durability, the researchers employed a technique known as click chemistry.
"This process is what sets our approach apart," explained co-senior author Maryam Tabrizian, professor in McGill’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine. "It functions as a molecular adhesive, binding the components together so it does not disintegrate quickly after injection."
Vocal cord injuries are especially prevalent among older adults with gastro‑esophageal reflux or smokers, and among professionals who rely on their voices, such as singers, teachers and radio hosts.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, about one in 13 adults encounter a voice disorder each year.
Senior author Nicole Li‑Jessen, a clinician‑scientist who also serves as a pianist working with singers, has observed how devastating voice loss can be for performers.
"People often take their voices for granted, yet losing them can profoundly affect mental well‑being and life quality, particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on speaking or singing," said Li‑Jessen, associate professor in McGill’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Personalized Medicine of Upper Airway Health and Diseases.
The group is now planning to evaluate the gel in computer simulations that replicate its behavior inside the body. Upon validation, they aim to progress toward human trials. If successful, this work could establish a minimally invasive and longer‑lasting therapy for voice loss.