# Synergistic therapy for osteoporosis: a soybean osteogenic peptide-loaded fish gelatin/κ-carrageenan gel for enhanced bone regeneration

## TL;DR

A new hydrogel delivers a soybean peptide to enhance bone regeneration in osteoporosis, showing results similar to standard treatment.

## Contribution

A dual-network hydrogel was developed to stabilize and deliver an osteogenic peptide for osteoporosis therapy.

## Key findings

- The FG/κ-CG hydrogel provided sustained peptide protection and controlled release.
- Oral administration of the gel restored bone mineralization in a zebrafish model to levels comparable with alendronate.
- The system achieved 111.6% bone mineralization, significantly improving osteoporotic bone.

## Abstract

Osteoporosis is a widespread skeletal disorder associated with reduced bone formation and increased fracture risk. Peptide-based therapeutics offer demonstrate anabolic potential for osteoporosis management but are limited by instability and rapid clearance. In this study, a dual-network hydrogel composed of fish gelatin (FG) and κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) was developed as a biocompatible carrier for a soybean-derived osteogenic peptide (SOP). The FG/κ-CG system exhibited provided mechanical integrity, hydration balance, and thermal stability, thereby enabling sustained peptide protection and controlled release. In a glucocorticoid-induced zebrafish osteoporosis model, oral administration of the SOP-loaded gel effectively restored bone mineralization to a level comparable with alendronate treatment. These findings suggest that the FG/κ-CG-SOP hydrogel provides a stable and bioactive platform for osteogenic peptide delivery and represents a promising nutritional or therapeutic approach for osteoporosis management.

Diagram illustrating a dual network with soybean-derived osteogenic peptide. Features include enhanced mechanical strength, excellent water retention, and superior thermal stability. It stimulates osteogenic activity in osteoblasts, leading to new bone matrix deposition. The process results in 111.6% bone mineralization, transforming untreated osteoporotic bone into treated bone with increased mineralization.