Scaffolds for articular cartilage repair

Tissue engineering has been at the forefront of medical research for more than 20 years. One of the most promising applications of tissue engineering is its use in cartilage repair. A successful cartilage repair model relies on the intricate interplay between cells, scaffolds, and the environment. Dedication to this field has resulted in a wide variety of materials available for use as scaffolds, each with advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we explore these materials and provide concise descriptions of the major scaffold subtypes. Included in this review are synthetic scaffolds, hydrogels, nanofibers, biologic scaffolds derived from fibrin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and PRP, as well as intact extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds. Scaffolds represent a cornerstone of the tissue-engineering model for cartilage repair. This promising technology offers new hope in the continuing effort to repair cartilage defects and improve the quality of life for patients worldwide.