This work details the development of novel stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels composed of a highly biocompatible cartilage acellularized matrix (CAM) and a water-soluble cross-linker containing a diselenide bridge, utilizing ultrafast norbornene (Nb)-tetrazine (Tz) click chemistry. The hydrogels demonstrate high drug loading, good swelling, and useful mechanical properties. Doxorubicin (DOX) release is minimal under physiological conditions but sustained under reducing conditions. Indocyanine green (ICG) incorporation enables near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered ROS generation and burst DOX release. In vitro studies show biocompatibility and antitumor effects in HT-29 cells after GSH or NIR exposure.

Muhammad Gulfam, Sung-Han Jo, Sung-Woo Jo, Trung Thang Vu, Sang-Hyug Park, Kwon Taek Lim