Anisotropic temperature sensitive chitosan-based injectable hydrogels mimicking cartilage matrix

Chitosan-based nanosystems for cancer diagnosis and therapy: Stimuli-responsive, immune response, and clinical studies

Cancer, a global health challenge of utmost severity, necessitates innovative approaches beyond conventional treatments (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy). Unfortunately, these approaches frequently fail to achieve comprehensive cancer control, characterized by inefficacy, non-specific drug distribution, and the emergence of adverse side effects. Nanoscale systems based on natural polymers like chitosan have garnered significant attention as promising platforms for cancer diagnosis and therapy owing to chitosan's inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, and ease of functionalization. Herein, recent advancements pertaining to the applications of chitosan nanoparticles in cancer imaging and drug/gene delivery are deliberated. The readers are introduced to conventional non-stimuli-responsive and stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanoplatforms. External triggers like light, heat, and ultrasound and internal stimuli such as pH and redox gradients are highlighted. The utilization of chitosan nanomaterials as contrast agents or scaffolds for multimodal imaging techniques e.g., magnetic resonance, fluorescence, and nuclear imaging is represented. Key applications in targeted chemotherapy, combination therapy, photothermal therapy, and nucleic acid delivery using chitosan nanoformulations are explored for cancer treatment. The immunomodulatory effects of chitosan and its role in impacting the tumor microenvironment are analyzed. Finally, challenges, prospects, and future outlooks regarding the use of chitosan-based nanosystems are discussed.

A review of advanced hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

With the increase in weight and age of the population, the consumption of tobacco, inappropriate foods, and the reduction of sports activities in recent years, bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) have become more common in the world. From the past until now, various treatment strategies (e.g., microfracture treatment, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), and Mosaicplasty) have been investigated and studied for the prevention and treatment of this disease. However, these methods face problems such as being invasive, not fully repairing the tissue, and damaging the surrounding tissues. Tissue engineering, including cartilage tissue engineering, is one of the minimally invasive, innovative, and effective methods for the treatment and regeneration of damaged cartilage, which has attracted the attention of scientists in the fields of medicine and biomaterials engineering in the past several years. Hydrogels of different types with diverse properties have become desirable candidates for engineering and treating cartilage tissue. They can cover most of the shortcomings of other treatment methods and cause the least secondary damage to the patient. Besides using hydrogels as an ideal strategy, new drug delivery and treatment methods, such as targeted drug delivery and treatment through mechanical signaling, have been studied as interesting strategies. In this study, we review and discuss various types of hydrogels, biomaterials used for hydrogel manufacturing, cartilage-targeting drug delivery, and mechanosignaling as modern strategies for cartilage treatment.

Recent progress and treatment strategy of pectin polysaccharide based tissue engineering scaffolds in cancer therapy, wound healing and cartilage regeneration

Natural polymers and its mixtures in the form of films, sponges and hydrogels are playing a major role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Hydrogels have been extensively investigated as standalone materials for drug delivery purposes as they enable effective encapsulation and sustained release of drugs. Biopolymers are widely utilised in the fabrication of hydrogels due to their safety, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and regulated breakdown by human enzymes. Among all the biopolymers, polysaccharide-based polymer is well suited to overcome the limitations of traditional wound dressing materials. Pectin is a polysaccharide which can be extracted from different plant sources and is used in various pharmaceutical and biomedical applications including cartilage regeneration. Pectin itself cannot be employed as scaffolds for tissue engineering since it decomposes quickly. This article discusses recent research and developments on pectin polysaccharide, including its types, origins, applications, and potential demands for use in AI-mediated scaffolds. It also covers the materials-design process, strategy for implementation to material selection and fabrication methods for evaluation. Finally, we discuss unmet requirements and current obstacles in the development of optimal materials for wound healing and bone-tissue regeneration, as well as emerging strategies in the field.

Injectable hydrogels for cartilage and bone tissue regeneration: A review

Annually, millions of patients suffer from irreversible injury owing to the loss or failure of an organ or tissue caused by accident, aging, or disease. The combination of injectable hydrogels and the science of stem cells have emerged to address this persistent issue in society by generating minimally invasive treatments to augment tissue function. Hydrogels are composed of a cross-linked network of polymers that exhibit a high-water retention capacity, thereby mimicking the wet environment of native cells. Due to their inherent mechanical softness, hydrogels can be used as needle-injectable stem cell carrier materials to mend tissue defects. Hydrogels are made of different natural or synthetic polymers, displaying a broad portfolio of eligible properties, which include biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, shear-thinning properties as well as tunable biological and physicochemical properties. Presently, novel ongoing developments and native-like hydrogels are increasingly being used broadly to improve the quality of life of those with disabling tissue-related diseases. The present review outlines various future and in-vitro applications of injectable hydrogel-based biomaterials, focusing on the newest ongoing developments of in-situ forming injectable hydrogels for bone and cartilage tissue engineering purposes.

Development of chitosan-based hydrogels for healthcare: A review

Chitosan-based hydrogels (CSH) are promising materials for healthcare. Based on the relationship among structure, property and application, researches reported within last decade are chosen to elucidate the developing approaches and potential applications of target CSH. The applications of CSH are classified into the conventional biomedical fields, such as drug controlled release, tissue repair and monitoring, and the essential ones including food safety, water purification and air cleaning. The approaches focused on in this article are the reversible chemical and physical ones. Apart from describing the current status of the development, suggestions are presented as well.

Bioinspired mineral-polymeric hybrid hyaluronic acid/poly (γ-glutamic acid) hydrogels as tunable scaffolds for stem cells differentiation

Aiming at the difficulty of integrated repair of osteochondral tissue, we designed a hybrid hydrogel scaffold that mimicked the microenvironment of osteochondral niches. Besides, the nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) was specially introduced into the hydrogel for its natural ability to promote bone regeneration. The hydrogel also exhibited good toughness (7500 KJ/m³), strength (1000 kPa), viscoelasticity, and in vitro cell experiments showed that hydrogels had quite good cytocompatibility (near 100 % viability). The results of the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture also proved that the survival rate of the cells in the hybrid hydrogels doped with nHAP and dispersion were the highest. In vitro RT-qPCR experiments proved that after being cultured in hydrogel scaffolds doped with nHAP, bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could express genes related to osteoblasts and chondrocytes. As a result, this hydrogel provides a general for developing alternative materials applicable for stem cells differentiation and even osteochondral tissue engineering.

Preparation of hydroxybutyl starch with a high degree of substitution and its application in temperature-sensitive hydrogels

In this work, hydroxybutyl starch prepared by acid, alkali, and acid-base synergistic pretreatments from waxy corn starch exhibited great potential for preparing temperature-sensitive hydrogels. The degree of substitution, morphology, and group structure of hydroxybutyl starch were determined. The hydroxybutyl starch prepared by acid-base synergistic pretreatment had the highest degree of substitution. Relative to the native starch, the surface of hydroxybutyl starch particles was smoother and rounder. The formation, microstructure, and properties of temperature-sensitive hydrogels were also determined in this work. The results indicated that the temperature-sensitive hydrogels containing hydroxybutyl starch had irregular pore structures and higher water absorption rates. As the starch content increased, the pore size of these hydrogels increased and then decreased, the water absorption rate increased and the deswelling rate decreased. The equilibrium swelling ratio of the hydrogel prepared by hydroxybutyl starch was greater than that of native starch.

Bioactive Polymeric Materials for the Advancement of Regenerative Medicine

Biopolymers are widely accepted natural materials in regenerative medicine, and further development of their bioactivities and discoveries on their composition/function relationships could greatly advance the field. However, a concise insight on commonly investigated biopolymers, their current applications and outlook of their modifications for multibioactivity are scarce. This review bridges this gap for professionals and especially freshmen in the field who are also interested in modification methods not yet in commercial use. A series of polymeric materials in research and development uses are presented as well as challenges that limit their efficacy in tissue regeneration are discussed. Finally, their roles in the regeneration of select tissues including the skin, bone, cartilage, and tendon are highlighted along with modifiable biopolymer moieties for different bioactivities.

Natural Polymer-based Stimuli-responsive Hydrogels

The abilities of intelligent polymer hydrogels to change their structure and volume phase in response to external stimuli have provided new possibilities for various advanced technologies and great research and application potentials in the medical field. The natural polymer-based hydrogels have the advantages of environment-friendliness, rich sources and good biocompatibility. Based on their responsiveness to external stimuli, the natural polymer-based hydrogels can be classified into the temperature-responsive hydrogel, pH-responsive hydrogel, light-responsive hydrogel, electricresponsive hydrogel, redox-responsive hydrogel, enzyme-responsive hydrogel, magnetic-responsive hydrogel, multi-responsive hydrogel, etc. In this review, we have compiled some recent studies on natural polymer-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels, especially the hydrogels prepared from polysaccharides. The preparation methods, properties and applications of these hydrogels in the medical field are highlighted.

Implementation of Endogenous and Exogenous Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells for Skeletal Tissue Regeneration and Repair

Harnessing adult mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells to stimulate skeletal tissue repair is a strategy that is being actively investigated. While scientists continue to develop creative and thoughtful ways to utilize these cells for tissue repair, the vast majority of these methodologies can ultimately be categorized into two main approaches: (1) Facilitating the recruitment of endogenous host cells to the injury site; and (2) physically administering into the injury site cells themselves, exogenously, either by autologous or allogeneic implantation. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively review recent key literature on the use of these two approaches in stimulating healing and repair of different skeletal tissues. As expected, each of the two strategies have their own advantages and limitations (which we describe), especially when considering the diverse microenvironments of different skeletal tissues like bone, tendon/ligament, and cartilage/fibrocartilage. This paper also discusses stem/progenitor cells commonly used for repairing different skeletal tissues, and it lists ongoing clinical trials that have risen from the implementation of these cells and strategies. Lastly, we discuss our own thoughts on where the field is headed in the near future.

Advancements and Frontiers in the High Performance of Natural Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Cartilage injury originating from trauma or osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that can bring about an increasing social and economic burden in modern society. On account of its avascular, neural, and lymphatic characteristics, the poor migration ability of chondrocytes, and a low number of progenitor cells, the self-healing ability of cartilage defects has been significantly limited. Natural hydrogels, occurring abundantly with characteristics such as high water absorption, biodegradation, adjustable porosity, and biocompatibility like that of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), have been developed into one of the most suitable scaffold biomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage in material science and tissue engineering. Notably, natural hydrogels derived from sources such as animal or human cadaver tissues possess the bionic mechanical behaviors of physiological cartilage that are required for usage as articular cartilage substitutes, by which the enhanced chondrogenic phenotype ability may be achieved by facilely embedding living cells, controlling degradation profiles, and releasing stimulatory growth factors. Hence, we summarize an overview of strategies and developments of the various kinds and functions of natural hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering in this review. The main concepts and recent essential research found that great challenges like vascularity, clinically relevant size, and mechanical performances were still difficult to overcome because the current limitations of technologies need to be severely addressed in practical settings, particularly in unpredictable preclinical trials and during future forays into cartilage regeneration using natural hydrogel scaffolds with high mechanical properties. Therefore, the grand aim of this current review is to underpin the importance of preparation, modification, and application for the high performance of natural hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering, which has been achieved by presenting a promising avenue in various fields and postulating real-world respective potentials.

Injectable dual cross-linked adhesive hyaluronic acid multifunctional hydrogel scaffolds for potential applications in cartilage repair

A double crosslinked hydrogels was designed and prepared by combining the Diels–Alder click reaction and possessed good mechanical strength, injectability and adhesion.

In situ-forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels for cell delivery

Injectable, in situ-forming hydrogels can improve cell delivery in tissue engineering applications by facilitating minimally invasive delivery to irregular defect sites and improving cell retention and survival. Tissues targeted for cell delivery often undergo diverse mechanical loading including high stress, high strain, and repetitive loading conditions. This review focuses on the development of hydrogel systems that meet the requirements of mechanical resiliency, cytocompatibility, and injectability for such applications. First, we describe the most important design considerations for maintaining the viability and function of encapsulated cells, for reproducing the target tissue morphology, and for achieving degradation profiles that facilitate tissue replacement. Models describing the relationships between hydrogel structure and mechanical properties are described, focusing on design principles necessary for producing mechanically resilient hydrogels. The advantages and limitations of current strategies for preparing cytocompatible, injectable, and mechanically resilient hydrogels are reviewed, including double networks, nanocomposites, and high molecular weight amphiphilic copolymer networks. Finally, challenges and opportunities are outlined to guide future research in this developing field.

Structure and rheology of liquid crystal hydroglass formed in aqueous nanocrystalline cellulose suspensions

HYPOTHESIS

Liquid crystal hydroglass (LCH) is a biphasic soft material with flow programmable anisotropy that forms via phase separation in suspensions of charged colloidal rods upon increases in ionic strength. The unique structure and rheology of the LCH gel formed using nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is hypothesised to be dependent on colloidal stability that is modulated using specific ion effects arising from Hofmeister phenomena.

EXPERIMENTS

LCHs are prepared in NCC suspensions in aqueous media containing varying levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) or sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN). The NCC suspensions are characterised using rheology and structural analysis techniques that includes polarised optical microscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering.

FINDINGS

The two salts have a profound effect on the formation process and structure of the LCH. Differences in network density and size of the liquid crystal domains are observed within the LCH for each of the salts, which is associated with the strength of interaction between NCC particles during LCH formation. In comparison to Cl^- at the same salinity, the chaotropic nature of the weakly hydrated SCN^- enhances colloidal stability by rendering NCC particles more hydrated and repulsive, but this also leads to weaker gel strength of the LCH. The results suggest that salts are a means in which to control the formation, structure and rheology of these anisotropic soft materials.

Advances of injectable hydrogel-based scaffolds for cartilage regeneration

Articular cartilage is an important load-bearing tissue distributed on the surface of diarthrodial joints. Due to its avascular, aneural and non-lymphatic features, cartilage has limited self-regenerative properties. To date, the utilization of biomaterials to aid in cartilage regeneration, especially through the use of injectable scaffolds, has attracted considerable attention. Various materials, therapeutics and fabrication approaches have emerged with a focus on manipulating the cartilage microenvironment to induce the formation of cartilaginous structures that have similar properties to the native tissues. In particular, the design and fabrication of injectable hydrogel-based scaffolds have advanced in recent years with the aim of enhancing its therapeutic efficacy and improving its ease of administration. This review summarizes recent progress in these efforts, including the structural improvement of scaffolds, network cross-linking techniques and strategies for controlled release, which present new opportunities for the development of injectable scaffolds for cartilage regeneration.

Polyelectrolyte Complexes of Natural Polymers and Their Biomedical Applications

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), composed of natural and biodegradable polymers, (such as positively charged chitosan or protamine and negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)) have attracted attention as hydrogels, films, hydrocolloids, and nano-/micro-particles (N/MPs) for biomedical applications. This is due to their biocompatibility and biological activities. These PECs have been used as drug and cell delivery carriers, hemostats, wound dressings, tissue adhesives, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. In addition to their comprehensive review, this review describes our original studies and provides an overview of the characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogel, including photo-cross-linkable chitosan hydrogel and hydrocolloidal PECs, as well as molecular-weight heparin (LH)/positively charged protamine (P) N/MPs. These are generated by electrostatic interactions between negatively charged LH and positively charged P together with their potential biomedical applications.

Liquid crystal hydroglass formed via phase separation of nanocellulose colloidal rods

A new anisotropic soft material - a liquid crystal 'hydroglass' (LCH) - is created from aqueous suspensions of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) colloidal rods. Under specific conditions, the NCC suspension separates into a colloid-rich attractive glass matrix phase and a coexisting liquid crystal phase. LCH provides similar viscoelastic properties to polymer and colloidal gels, but permits reversibly-orientating the colloidal rods through shear forces.

Development of Mucoadhesive Chitosan Derivatives for Use as Submucosal Injections

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been used for surgical treatment of early gastric cancer. These endoscopic techniques require proper submucosal injections beneath the tumor to provide a sufficiently high submucosal fluid cushion (SFC) to facilitate clean dissection and resection of the tumor. Until now, the submucosal injection materials developed for endoscopic techniques such as EMR and ESD of tumors have been composed of macromolecules, proteins, or polysaccharides. We have been investigating the use of chitosan, a product that is obtained by the alkaline deacetylation of chitin, the second-most abundant natural polysaccharide. Specifically, we have been studying a photocrosslinked chitosan hydrogel (PCH) and solubilized chitosan derivatives for use as novel submucosal injections for endoscopic techniques. Notably, chitosan derivatives with lactose moieties linked to the amino groups of its glucosamine units can specifically interact with acidic mucopolysaccharides and mucins in submucosa without the need for the incorporation of harmful photoreactive groups nor potentially mutagenic ultraviolet irradiation.

Gradient nano-engineered in situ forming composite hydrogel for osteochondral regeneration

Fabrication of anisotropic osteochondral-mimetic scaffold with mineralized subchondral zone and gradient interface remains challenging. We have developed an injectable semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel construct with chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles (ChS-NPs) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) (∼30-90 nm) in chondral and subchondral hydrogel zones respectively. Mineralized subchondral hydrogel exhibited significantly higher osteoblast proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity (p < 0.05). Osteochondral hydrogel exhibited interconnected porous structure and spatial variation with gradient interface of nHA and ChS-NPs. Microcomputed tomography (μCT) demonstrated nHA gradation while rheology showed predominant elastic modulus (∼930 Pa) at the interface. Co-culture of osteoblasts and chondrocytes in gradient hydrogels showed layer-specific retention of cells and cell-cell interaction at the interface. In vivo osteochondral regeneration by biphasic (nHA or ChS) and gradient (nHA + ChS) hydrogels was compared with control using rabbit osteochondral defect after 3 and 8 weeks. Complete closure of defect was observed in gradient (8 weeks) while defect remained in other groups. Histology demonstrated collagen and glycosaminoglycan deposition in neo-matrix and presence of hyaline cartilage-characteristic matrix, chondrocytes and osteoblasts. μCT showed mineralized neo-tissue formation, which was confined within the defect with higher bone mineral density in gradient (chondral: 0.42 ± 0.07 g/cc, osteal: 0.64 ± 0.08 g/cc) group. Further, biomechanical push-out studies showed significantly higher load for gradient group (378 ± 56 N) compared to others. Thus, the developed nano-engineered gradient hydrogel enhanced hyaline cartilage regeneration with subchondral bone formation and lateral host-tissue integration.

Hydrogels for Cartilage Regeneration, from Polysaccharides to Hybrids

The aims of this paper are: (1) to review the current state of the art in the field of cartilage substitution and regeneration; (2) to examine the patented biomaterials being used in preclinical and clinical stages; (3) to explore the potential of polymeric hydrogels for these applications and the reasons that hinder their clinical success. The studies about hydrogels used as potential biomaterials selected for this review are divided into the two major trends in tissue engineering: (1) the use of cell-free biomaterials; and (2) the use of cell seeded biomaterials. Preparation techniques and resulting hydrogel properties are also reviewed. More recent proposals, based on the combination of different polymers and the hybridization process to improve the properties of these materials, are also reviewed. The combination of elements such as scaffolds (cellular solids), matrices (hydrogel-based), growth factors and mechanical stimuli is needed to optimize properties of the required materials in order to facilitate tissue formation, cartilage regeneration and final clinical application. Polymer combinations and hybrids are the most promising materials for this application. Hybrid scaffolds may maximize cell growth and local tissue integration by forming cartilage-like tissue with biomimetic features.

Bioprinted chitosan-gelatin thermosensitive hydrogels using an inexpensive 3D printer

The primary bottleneck in bioprinting cell-laden structures with carefully controlled spatial relation is a lack of biocompatible inks and printing conditions. In this regard, we explored using thermogelling chitosan-gelatin (CG) hydrogel as a novel bioprinting ink; CG hydrogels are unique in that it undergoes a spontaneous phase change at physiological temperature, and does not need post-processing. In addition, we used a low cost (<$800) compact 3D printer, and modified with a new extruder to print using disposable syringes and hypodermic needles. We investigated (i) the effect of concentration of CG on gelation characteristics, (ii) solution preparation steps (centrifugation, mixing, and degassing) on printability and fiber formation, (iii) the print bed temperature profiles via IR imaging and grid-based assessment using thermocouples, (iv) the effect of feed rate (10-480 cm min^-1), flow rate (15-60 μl min^-1) and needle height (70-280 μm) on fiber size and characteristics, and (v) the distribution of neuroblastoma cells in printed fibers, and the viability after five days in culture. We used agarose gel to create uniform print surfaces to maintain a constant gap with the needle tip. These results showed that degassing the solution, and precooling the solution was necessary for obtaining continuous fibers. Fiber size decreased from 760, to 243 μm as the feed rate increased from 10 to 100 cm min^-1. Bed temperature played the greatest role in fiber size, followed by feed rate. Increased needle height initially decreased fiber size but then increased showing an optimum. Cells were well distributed within the fibers and exhibited excellent viability and no contamination after 5 d. Overall we printed 3D, sterile, cell-laden structures with an inexpensive bioprinter and a novel ink, without post-processing. The bioprinter described here and the novel CG hydrogels have significant potential as an ink for bioprinitng various cell-laden structures.

Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy

Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli.

Injectable Anisotropic Nanocomposite Hydrogels Direct in Situ Growth and Alignment of Myotubes

While injectable in situ cross-linking hydrogels have attracted increasing attention as minimally invasive tissue scaffolds and controlled delivery systems, their inherently disorganized and isotropic network structure limits their utility in engineering oriented biological tissues. Traditional methods to prepare anisotropic hydrogels are not easily translatable to injectable systems given the need for external equipment to direct anisotropic gel fabrication and/or the required use of temperatures or solvents incompatible with biological systems. Herein, we report a new class of injectable nanocomposite hydrogels based on hydrazone cross-linked poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) and magnetically aligned cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) capable of encapsulating skeletal muscle myoblasts and promoting their differentiation into highly oriented myotubes in situ. CNC alignment occurs on the same time scale as network gelation and remains fixed after the removal of the magnetic field, enabling concurrent CNC orientation and hydrogel injection. The aligned hydrogels show mechanical and swelling profiles that can be rationally modulated by the degree of CNC alignment and can direct myotube alignment both in two- and three-dimensions following coinjection of the myoblasts with the gel precursor components. As such, these hydrogels represent a critical advancement in anisotropic biomimetic scaffolds that can be generated noninvasively in vivo following simple injection.

Injectable hydrogels for cartilage and bone tissue engineering

Tissue engineering has become a promising strategy for repairing damaged cartilage and bone tissue. Among the scaffolds for tissue-engineering applications, injectable hydrogels have demonstrated great potential for use as three-dimensional cell culture scaffolds in cartilage and bone tissue engineering, owing to their high water content, similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), porous framework for cell transplantation and proliferation, minimal invasive properties, and ability to match irregular defects. In this review, we describe the selection of appropriate biomaterials and fabrication methods to prepare novel injectable hydrogels for cartilage and bone tissue engineering. In addition, the biology of cartilage and the bony ECM is also summarized. Finally, future perspectives for injectable hydrogels in cartilage and bone tissue engineering are discussed.

Effects of thermosensitive chitosan-gelatin based hydrogel containing glutathione on Cisd2-deficient chondrocytes under oxidative stress

Aging is considered as a primary risk factor in the development of osteoarthritis (OA) which associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 (Cisd2) deficiency causes mitochondrial dysfunction and drive premature aging. In the present study, thermosensitive chitosan-gelatin based hydrogel containing glutathione was developed as injectable drug delivery system for administration by minimal invasive surgery for the treatment of OA. Cisd2 deficiency (Cisd2^-/-) mouse induced pluripotent stem cells-derived chondrocytes were established and characterized. The results suggested that 100μM of glutathione may be an optimal concentration to treat Cisd2^-/- chondrocytes without cytotoxicity. The developed hydrogel showed sustained release profile of the glutathione and could decrease the reactive oxygen species level. Post-treatment of glutathione-loaded hydrogel could rescue Cisd2^-/- chondrocytes from oxidative damage via increasing catalase activity, down-regulation of inflammation, and decreasing apoptosis. These results suggest that thermosensitive glutathione-loaded hydrogel may be a potential antioxidant therapeutic strategy for treating Cisd2^-/- chondrocytes in the near future.

How gold nanoparticles can be used to probe the structural changes of a pH-responsive hydrogel

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have UV-visible absorption spectra that are highly sensitive to their local environment due to their surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Furthermore, GNPs are able to quench the fluorescence of suitable dyes depending on the GNP-dye separation. Both of these features have led to the use of GNPs as spectroscopic rulers. In this study we sought to use GNPs as spectroscopic probes to investigate the local structural changes associated with the macroscopic pH-triggered swelling/de-swelling transitions of a pH-responsive hydrogel. The hydrogel used in this study comprised covalently inter-linked pH-responsive poly(ethylacrylate-co-methacrylic acid-co-divinyl benzene) microgel particles (MGs). MGs are crosslinked polymer colloids that swell when the pH approaches the pK_a of the constituent polymer. The interlinked MG hydrogels are termed doubly crosslinked microgels (DX MGs) and are a new family of hydrogels. They had polymer volume fractions (ϕ_p) that strongly decreased as the pH increased. UV-visible spectra showed that the wavelength of the SPR absorption (λ_max) for the DX MG/GNP gels was pH-responsive. A linear relationship was found between λ_max and ϕ_p for ϕ_p values up to ∼0.80. The inclusion of Rhodamine 6G within the DX MG/GNP hydrogels resulted in metal-induced fluorescence quenching which was studied using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The extent of quenching was pH-dependent and was also proportional to ϕ_p. The results of the study showed that the pH-triggered changes of the nanoscale and macroscopic swelling for the DX MGs were similar and imply that affine swelling occurred, which is a new observation. The data suggest that UV-visible or PL spectroscopy could be used to study the swelling of pH-responsive hydrogels containing GNPs remotely.

Injectable and 3D Bioprinted Polysaccharide Hydrogels: From Cartilage to Osteochondral Tissue Engineering

Biomechanical performance of functional cartilage is executed by the exclusive anisotropic composition and spatially varying intricate architecture in articulating ends of diarthrodial joint. Osteochondral tissue constituting the articulating ends comprise superfical soft cartilage over hard subchondral bone sandwiching interfacial soft-hard tissue. The shock-absorbent, lubricating property of cartilage and mechanical stability of subchondral bone regions are rendered by extended chemical structure of glycosaminoglycans and mineral deposition, respectively. Extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans analogous polysaccharides are major class of hydrogels investigated for restoration of functional cartilage. Recently, injectable hydrogels have gained momentum as it offers patient compliance, tunable mechanical properties, cell deliverability, and facile administration at physiological condition with long-term functionality and hyaline cartilage construction. Interestingly, facile modifiable functional groups in carbohydrate polymers impart tailorability of desired physicochemical properties and versatile injectable chemistry for the development of highly potent biomimetic in situ forming scaffold. The scaffold design strategies have also evolved from single component to bi- or multilayered and graded constructs with osteogenic properties for deep subchondral regeneration. This review highlights the significance of polysaccharide structure-based functions in engineering cartilage tissue, injectable chemistries, strategies for combining analogous matrices with cells/stem cells and biomolecules and multicomponent approaches for osteochondral mimetic constructs. Further, the rheology and precise spatiotemporal positioning of cells in hydrogel bioink for rapid prototyping of complex three-dimensional anisotropic cartilage have also been discussed.

Hidrogéis a base de ácido hialurônico e quitosana para engenharia de tecido cartilaginoso

Resumo A Engenharia de Tecidos envolve o desenvolvimento de novos materiais ou dispositivos capazes de interações específicas com os tecidos biológicos, buscando a utilização de materiais biocompatíveis que devem servir como arcabouço para o crescimento de células in vitro, organizando e desenvolvendo o tecido que posteriormente será implantado no paciente. Uma variedade de arcabouços como hidrogéis poliméricos, sintéticos e naturais, têm sido investigados para a expansão de condrócitos in vitro, visando o reparo da cartilagem lesionada. Um hidrogel de interesse particular na regeneração de cartilagem é o ácido hialurónico (AH). Trata-se de um biopolímero atraente para a fabricação de arcabouços artificiais para Engenharia de Tecidos por ser biocompatível e biodegradável. A biocompatibilidade do AH deve-se ao fato de estar presente na matriz extracelular nativa, deste modo, cria-se um ambiente propício que facilita a adesão, proliferação e diferenciação celular, além da existência de sinalização celular específica, o que contribui para a regeneração do tecido. O uso de hidrogel composto de ácido hialurónico e quitosana (QUI) também tem sido investigado em aplicações de Engenharia de Tecidos de cartilagem, com resultados promissores. Baseando-se nestas informações, o objetivo este trabalho foi investigar as alternativas disponíveis para regeneração tecidual da cartilagem e conhecer mais detalhadamente as relações entre células e biomateriais.

Numerical Simulation of Mass Transfer and Three-Dimensional Fabrication of Tissue-Engineered Cartilages Based on Chitosan/Gelatin Hybrid Hydrogel Scaffold in a Rotating Bioreactor

Cartilage tissue engineering is believed to provide effective cartilage repair post-injuries or diseases. Biomedical materials play a key role in achieving successful culture and fabrication of cartilage. The physical properties of a chitosan/gelatin hybrid hydrogel scaffold make it an ideal cartilage biomimetic material. In this study, a chitosan/gelatin hybrid hydrogel was chosen to fabricate a tissue-engineered cartilage in vitro by inoculating human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) at both dynamic and traditional static culture conditions. A bioreactor that provides a dynamic culture condition has received greater applications in tissue engineering due to its optimal mass transfer efficiency and its ability to simulate an equivalent physical environment compared to human body. In this study, prior to cell-scaffold fabrication experiment, mathematical simulations were confirmed with a mass transfer of glucose and TGF-β2 both in rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWVB) and static culture conditions in early stage of culture via computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method. To further investigate the feasibility of the mass transfer efficiency of the bioreactor, this RWVB was adopted to fabricate three-dimensional cell-hydrogel cartilage constructs in a dynamic environment. The results showed that the mass transfer efficiency of RWVB was faster in achieving a final equilibrium compared to culture in static culture conditions. ADSCs culturing in RWVB expanded three times more compared to that in static condition over 10 days. Induced cell cultivation in a dynamic RWVB showed extensive expression of extracellular matrix, while the cell distribution was found much more uniformly distributing with full infiltration of extracellular matrix inside the porous scaffold. The increased mass transfer efficiency of glucose and TGF-β2 from RWVB promoted cellular proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs inside chitosan/gelatin hybrid hydrogel scaffolds. The improved mass transfer also accelerated a dynamic fabrication of cell-hydrogel constructs, providing an alternative method in tissue engineering cartilage.

Three-dimensional bioprinting speeds up smart regenerative medicine

Biological materials can actively participate in the formation of bioactive organs and can even control cell fate to form functional tissues that we name as the smart regenerative medicine (SRM). The SRM requires interdisciplinary efforts to finalize the pre-designed organs. Three-dimensional (3D) printing, as an additive manufacturing technology, has been widely used in various fields due to its high resolution and individuation. In SRM, with the assistance of 3D printing, cells and biomaterials could be precisely positioned to construct complicated tissues. This review summarizes the state of the SRM advances and focuses in particular on the 3D printing application in biofabrication. We further discuss the issues of SRM development and finally propose some approaches for future 3D printing, which involves SRM.