Control and interplay of scaffold-biomolecule interactions applied to cartilage tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cartilage tissue engineering aims to regenerate functional cartilage using biomaterials, cells, and bioactive factors.
• Current strategies face challenges in controlling bioactive factor release for optimal chondrogenesis and tissue homeostasis.
• Effective delivery systems are crucial to overcome limitations like poor retention and uncontrolled release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biomaterials and biomolecules for cartilage engineering.
• To detail approaches for controlling biomolecule release from scaffolds.
• To enhance the application of these systems in cartilage repair.

Main Methods:

• Focus on biomolecule-scaffold interactions for controlled release.
• Analysis of natural, hybrid, and synthetic biomaterials.
• Review of methods including steric, non-covalent, and covalent interactions.

Main Results:

• Various biomaterials and biomolecules are suitable for cartilage engineering.
• Strategies exist to maintain biomolecules within scaffolds and control their release kinetics.
• Understanding biomolecule-scaffold interactions is key to developing advanced delivery systems.

Conclusions:

• Controlled release of bioactive factors from advanced scaffolds is essential for successful cartilage regeneration.
• Biomolecule-scaffold interactions offer promising strategies for sustained delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes.
• This review provides insights into optimizing biomaterial-based systems for hyaline cartilage repair.