Parkinson's disease: hydrogel and acupuncture approach shows promise

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes tremors, slowed movement, and difficulty with coordination. Current drugs provide only temporary relief and do not stop the disease from getting worse. 

A research team led by Prof. Shan-hui Hsu at National Taiwan University has created a new type of material—a fully biodegradable, electroconductive, and self-healing hydrogel—that could open a new direction for treating Parkinson’s disease. The study is published in Biomaterials. 

The hydrogel is made by coating tiny polyurethane nanoparticles with polydopamine, a naturally occurring compound with antioxidant properties. When mixed with chitosan, these nanoparticles form a soft, injectable gel that closely mimics the properties of brain tissue. Importantly, the material can conduct electrical signals, repair itself after damage, and safely degrade in the body. 

In laboratory experiments, the gel provided a nurturing environment for neural stem cells, encouraging them to grow and develop into healthy neurons. It also reduced inflammation and rescued nearly 90% of damaged neural cells. 

When tested in rats with Parkinson’s-like symptoms, the combination of this injectable hydrogel and acupuncture produced striking results. Within two weeks, treated animals showed significant improvements in motor function, increased survival of dopamine-producing neurons, and reduced harmful brain inflammation. Brain electrophysiological activity patterns in these rats nearly returned to normal, approaching those of healthy animals. 

“This study highlights how combining biomaterials with traditional therapies such as acupuncture may open new possibilities for treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s in the future,” says Prof. Shan-hui Hsu. 

Source: National Taiwan University 

01.09.2025

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