Researchers at McGill University in Canada have developed a new hydrogel material that promises an effective and long-lasting treatment for people suffering from vocal cord injuries.

This condition often leads to permanent voice loss due to scar formation.

Experts explained that currently used injectable treatments degrade quickly, forcing patients to undergo repeated procedures that may cause additional damage to the delicate tissues of the larynx.

However, the new gel tested by the team in a preclinical study showed the ability to resist degradation for weeks in laboratory and animal trials, outperforming traditional materials and giving the vocal cords a better chance for natural healing.

This gel is made from natural proteins derived from human tissues, which are turned into powder and then reformed into a hydrogel. To extend its lifespan inside the body, researchers used a technique called “click chemistry,” a process that acts as a “molecular glue” binding the material’s components together and preventing rapid breakdown after injection.

Maryam Tabrizian, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University and holder of a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine, said, “This process is what makes our approach different and unique from traditional methods.”

Vocal cord injuries are a common problem, especially among the elderly suffering from acid reflux or smokers, as well as professionals who rely on their voices, such as singers, teachers, and broadcasters.

Nicole Lee-Gosselin, the lead researcher of the study and professor at the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at McGill University, pointed to the profound impact of voice loss on the psychological and social well-being of people who depend on their voices for work.

She said, “People take their voices for granted, but losing them can severely affect mental health and quality of life, especially for those who rely on them as a livelihood.”

The research team is currently simulating the gel’s behavior inside the body using computer modeling to verify its stability and effectiveness, preparing for clinical trials on humans.

If successful, this innovation could mark a turning point in treating vocal cord injuries, offering a more durable and less invasive treatment option than current therapies.

The study was published in the journal Biomaterials.