• Ferrostatin-1 inhibits ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells by reducing lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, while restoring extracellular matrix gene expression.
• A PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel loaded with ferrostatin-1 provides sustained drug release and enhances therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of lumbar disc herniation.
• The hydrogel-based local delivery of ferrostatin-1 alleviates pain and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the nucleus pulposus.
• Targeting ferroptosis via ferrostatin-1 represents a promising strategy for treating lumbar disc herniation.