McGill unveils a promising hydrogel for vocal cord healing
A team of researchers at McGill University has developed a hydrogel that could significantly improve treatment for vocal cord injuries. The hydrogel is designed to repair damaged tissue in the vocal cords, offering potential relief for people who suffer from voice loss or chronic vocal damage. In preclinical studies, the gel stood out by lasting longer than current injectable treatments and by reducing the need for repeat procedures.
Vocal cord scarring can lead to permanent vocal impairment, making everyday communication, singing, teaching, and broadcasting challenging. Existing injectable therapies tend to degrade quickly, requiring patients to undergo multiple procedures that can further stress delicate vocal tissue. The new hydrogel aims to change that dynamic by providing a more durable, biocompatible option.
What makes the gel unique
According to McGill researchers, the gel is created from natural tissue proteins that are processed into a powder and then converted into a gel. To extend its longevity, the team employed a chemistry technique known as click chemistry. This process acts like a molecular glue, stabilizing the gel so it does not dissolve or degrade rapidly after injection.
Co-senior author Maryam Tabrizian, a professor in McGill’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and a Canada Research Chair in Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine, described the approach as a key differentiator. “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,” she said. The emphasis on durability is critical for the delicate tissue of the vocal cords, where repeated interventions can lead to additional scarring.
Impact on patients and the broader need
Statistics from the U.S. National Institutes of Health highlight the scope of the issue: about one in 13 adults experiences a voice disorder each year. Vocal cord injuries are particularly common among older adults with acid reflux, smokers, and those who depend on their voices professionally—singers, teachers, and radio hosts. For many, losing voice can affect mental health and overall quality of life, underscoring the importance of safer, longer-lasting treatments.
“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,” noted Li-Jessen, associate professor in McGill’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Canada Research Chair in Personalized Medicine of Upper Airway Health and Diseases.
Next steps and hopes for clinical translation
The researchers are looking ahead to computer simulations that mimic how the hydrogel behaves inside the human body. If those simulations validate the gel’s performance, the team plans to move toward human trials. A successful transition could usher in a minimally invasive, longer-lasting treatment for voice loss, potentially reducing the frequency of procedures and the associated trauma to vocal tissue.
Beyond vocal cords, the underlying approach—using natural tissue proteins and click chemistry to create durable, biocompatible gels—could inspire new therapies for other soft tissues subject to scarring and repeated interventions. While the work is still in the preclinical stage, the findings offer a hopeful glimpse into a future where voice restoration is safer, longer-lasting, and more accessible for patients who need it most.
As the team continues its investigations, voices worldwide may benefit from a technology that once again redefines what is possible in regenerative medicine. If the gel proves effective in humans, it could become a cornerstone of minimally invasive treatments for voice disorders, preserving the ability to speak, sing, and communicate with confidence.
