Voice loss is often permanent when scarring forms on the vocal cords. Current injectable treatments break down quickly, which can force patients to get repeated procedures that can further damage the delicate tissue.

In a preclinical study published in the journal Biomaterials, the scientists report that their new gel resisted breakdown for weeks in lab and animal tests, outlasting current injectable materials and giving vocal cords a better chance to heal.

The gel is made from natural tissue proteins processed into a powder and converted into a gel. To make it last longer, the team used a process called click chemistry.