Functionalized Hydrogels for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Liangbin Zhou (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Peng Guo (AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Matteo D'Este (AO Research Institute Davos, Davos)
Wenxue Tong (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Jiankun Xu (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Hao Yao (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Martin J. Stoddart (AO Research Institute Davos, Davos)
Gerjo J.V.M. van Osch (Erasmus MC, TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
Kevin Ki Wai Ho (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Zhen Li (AO Research Institute Davos, Davos)
Ling Qin (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong)
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Abstract
Articular cartilage (AC) is an avascular and flexible connective tissue located on the bone surface in the diarthrodial joints. AC defects are common in the knees of young and physically active individuals. Because of the lack of suitable tissue-engineered artificial matrices, current therapies for AC defects, especially full-thickness AC defects and osteochondral interfaces, fail to replace or regenerate damaged cartilage adequately. With rapid research and development advancements in AC tissue engineering (ACTE), functionalized hydrogels have emerged as promising cartilage matrix substitutes because of their favorable biomechanical properties, water content, swelling ability, cytocompatibility, biodegradability, and lubricating behaviors. They can be rationally designed and conveniently tuned to simulate the extracellular matrix of cartilage. This article briefly introduces the composition, structure, and function of AC and its defects, followed by a comprehensive review of the exquisite (bio)design and (bio)fabrication of functionalized hydrogels for AC repair. Finally, we summarize the challenges encountered in functionalized hydrogel-based strategies for ACTE both in vivo and in vitro and the future directions for clinical translation.
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