A hybrid cartilage extracellular matrix-based hydrogel/poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffold incorporated with Kartogenin for cartilage tissue engineering

Advancements in hydrogel design for articular cartilage regeneration: A comprehensive review

This review paper explores the cutting-edge advancements in hydrogel design for articular cartilage regeneration (CR). Articular cartilage (AC) defects are a common occurrence worldwide that can lead to joint breakdown at a later stage of the disease, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent progressive degeneration of cartilage. Decades of research into the biomedical applications of hydrogels have revealed their tremendous potential, particularly in soft tissue engineering, including CR. Hydrogels are highly tunable and can be designed to meet the key criteria needed for a template in CR. This paper aims to identify those criteria, including the hydrogel components, mechanical properties, biodegradability, structural design, and integration capability with the adjacent native tissue and delves into the benefits that CR can obtain through appropriate design. Stratified-structural hydrogels that emulate the native cartilage structure, as well as the impact of environmental stimuli on the regeneration outcome, have also been discussed. By examining recent advances and emerging techniques, this paper offers valuable insights into developing effective hydrogel-based therapies for AC repair.

Nanostructured Biopolymer-Based Constructs for Cartilage Regeneration: Fabrication Techniques and Perspectives

The essential functions of cartilage, such as shock absorption and resilience, are hindered by its limited regenerative capacity. Although current therapies alleviate symptoms, novel strategies for cartilage regeneration are desperately needed. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) constructs aim to address this challenge by mimicking the intrinsic characteristics of native cartilage using biocompatible materials, with a significant emphasis on both functionality and stability. Through fabrication methods such as 3D printing and electrospinning, researchers are making progress in cartilage regeneration; nevertheless, it is still very difficult to translate these advances into clinical practice. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating various fabrication techniques to create stable 3D constructs. Meticulous design and material selection are required to achieve seamless cartilage integration and durability. The review outlines the need to address these challenges and focuses on the latest developments in the production of hybrid 3D constructs based on biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. Furthermore, the review acknowledges the limitations of current research and provides perspectives on potential avenues for effectively regenerating cartilage defects in the future.

Innovations in hydrogel-based manufacturing: A comprehensive review of direct ink writing technique for biomedical applications

Direct ink writing (DIW) stands as a pioneering additive manufacturing technique that holds transformative potential in the field of hydrogel fabrication. This innovative approach allows for the precise deposition of hydrogel inks layer by layer, creating complex three-dimensional structures with tailored shapes, sizes, and functionalities. By harnessing the versatility of hydrogels, DIW opens up possibilities for applications spanning from tissue engineering to soft robotics and wearable devices. This comprehensive review investigates DIW as applied to hydrogels and its multifaceted applications. The paper introduces a diverse range of printing techniques while providing a thorough exploration of DIW for hydrogel-based printing. The investigation aims to explain the progress made, challenges faced, and potential trajectories that lie ahead for DIW in hydrogel-based manufacturing. The fundamental principles underlying DIW are carefully examined, specifically focusing on rheological attributes and printing parameters, prompting a comprehensive survey of the wide variety of hydrogel materials. These encompass both natural and synthetic variations, all of which can be effectively harnessed for this purpose. Furthermore, the review explores the latest applications of DIW for hydrogels in biomedical areas, with a primary focus on tissue engineering, wound dressing, and drug delivery systems. The document not only consolidates the existing state of DIW within the context of hydrogel-based manufacturing but also charts potential avenues for further research and innovative breakthroughs.