Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Clinical translation and feasibility of tissue-engineered constructs depend on several factors which include the source of cells used, the properties of the scaffolds, and the signaling molecules. The region of origin and the state of differentiation of the chondrocytes seem to control the cellular response. Long-term culture of chondrocytes derived from young donors with high initial cell seeding density shows good results with respect to growth rate, in vitro expansion, and biosynthesis. Hydrogels derived from biopolymers have synergistic beneficial aspects of water swelling, cartilage-like behavior of hydrogel, as well as extracellular matrix mimicking property of biopolymers. The poor mechanical stability of these matrices and nonadhesive nature of cells onto the surface have been rectified to some extent by the hybridization of biopolymers with synthetic polymers and incorporation of peptides. Much attention should be given to develop injectable hybrid systems as those systems can solve the issues related with targeted minimal invasive delivery, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength.