Researchers unveil a breakthrough hydrogel for vocal cord repair
A team at McGill University has developed a novel hydrogel designed to repair damaged vocal cords, offering renewed hope for people affected by voice loss or chronically damaged vocal tissue. The injectable gel uses natural tissue proteins processed into a powder and reconstituted into a gel, then stabilized with a technique known as click chemistry to extend its lifespan inside the body.
What makes the hydrogel unique
According to co-senior author Maryam Tabrizian, a professor in McGill’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and a Canada Research Chair in Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine, the key innovation lies in the molecular glue-like properties created by click chemistry. “This process is what makes our approach unique. It acts like a molecular glue, locking the material together so it doesn’t fall apart too quickly once injected.”
The gel’s construction begins with natural tissue proteins converted into a powder, then reassembled into a biocompatible gel. The researchers say this design not only aligns with the body’s biology but also enhances durability, potentially reducing the need for repeat injections that can irritate delicate vocal tissue.
Why durability matters for vocal cord healing
Vocal cords are exceptionally delicate, and scarring can lead to permanent impairment. Current injectable treatments tend to degrade relatively quickly, creating a cycle of repeated procedures. The new hydrogel addresses this challenge by remaining in place longer, allowing more time for tissue healing and reducing the intervention burden on patients.
Preclinical studies indicate the hydrogel outperforms existing options by lasting longer in the tissue and potentially improving healing outcomes. While additional research is required to confirm efficacy and safety in humans, the findings point toward a minimally invasive, longer-lasting treatment option for voice disorders.
The burden of voice disorders
Voice impairment affects a broad segment of the population. The U.S. National Institutes of Health notes that about one in 13 adults experiences a voice disorder each year. Vocal cord injuries are particularly common among older adults with acid reflux or smoking histories, and among professionals who depend on their voices, including singers, teachers, and radio hosts. Li-Jessen, an associate professor at McGill’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Canada Research Chair in Personalized Medicine of Upper Airway Health and Diseases, emphasizes the impact on mental health and quality of life when the voice is compromised. “People take their voices for granted but losing it can deeply affect mental health and quality of life, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on it.”
Next steps toward human trials
The McGill team plans to advance their work by running computer simulations that model how the hydrogel behaves inside the body, complementing laboratory data. If those simulations validate the material’s performance, researchers hope to move into human trials, bringing the goal of a durable, minimally invasive solution closer to patients.
Implications for the future of voice care
Should further testing affirm the hydrogel’s safety and effectiveness, this technology could transform how clinicians treat vocal cord injuries. A longer-lasting injectable treatment would reduce the need for repeated procedures, minimize tissue trauma, and speed the return of normal voice function for patients who rely on their voices for work or daily life. The research also adds to the growing field of regenerative medicine, where natural materials and targeted chemistry work together to repair delicate organs.
