CATase-immobilized hydrogel platform molded by photo-enzyme coupling polymerization for effectively preventing postoperative abdominal adhesion

Redox homeostasis, which is regulated by enzymes acting as regulatory valves, is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of biomolecules and a stable microenvironment for physiological processes by modulating the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant enzymes in biocatalysis are used in the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress-related disease by counteracting the harmful effects of ROS. However, designing a system that can efficiently immobilize antioxidant enzymes with high catalytic activity and stability is still challenging. Bioinspired by photo-biocatalysis, a novel and effective catalase (CATase)-immobilized hydrogel platform has been developed by the proposed photo-enzymatic coupled radical polymerization strategy of the visible light coupling with the porphyrin-centered CATase. The higher catalytic stability and activity can therefore be achieved due to the preferential polymerization of CATase-immobilized hydrogel platform with a favorable three-dimensional network of enhanced coupling efficacy between light and enzymes. The mechanisms of free radical-initiated polymerization as well as the antioxidant cycle in the photo-CATase coupling system have been explored. Intriguingly, the CATase-immobilized hydrogel platform affords an unprecedented antioxidant ability to scavenge ROS and provide an effective cellular protection mechanism against external oxidative stress. Additionally, the CATase-immobilized hydrogel platform can effectively prevent peritoneal adhesion by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the novel CATase-immobilized hydrogel platform is a potential candidate for physical barriers that effectively prevent postoperative adhesion formation, offering a new anti-adhesion strategy for clinical applications.