Fig. 1.

Triglycerol monostearate (TG-18) self-assembles to form arthritis flare-responsive hydrogel. a Schematic showing self-assembly of TG-18 to form hydrogel and encapsulation of triamcinolone acetonide (TA). TG-18 dissolves by heating in DMSO/water and self-assembles into lamellar structures upon cooling. Drugs like triamcinolone acetonide (TA) can be encapsulated within the hydrophobic core of the lamellae. b High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) of TA-loaded TG-18 hydrogels. TG-18 lamellar structures extend to form higher order fibrous assemblies. The entangled fibers form the bulk injectable hydrogel that can be administered via intra-articular injection. c Disassembly of TG-18 hydrogel in response to flare-associated enzymes, including MMPs that are present in the inflamed joint