A guide to articular cartilage functioning: a comprehensive review, current challenges and mechanobiological...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Articular cartilage possesses exceptional mechanical properties for load-bearing but limited self-repair capacity.
• Current therapies often fail to restore the native biological and mechanical environment of articular cartilage after damage.
• Understanding cartilage's structure-function relationship is crucial for effective regeneration strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of articular cartilage biomechanics and injury response.
• To explore current clinical evaluation and treatment options for cartilage damage.
• To propose novel mechanobiological solutions, including optical and acoustic stimulation, for cartilage regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on articular cartilage structure, composition, and mechanical behavior.
• Analysis of injury mechanisms and natural repair processes in articular cartilage.
• Exploration of current clinical treatments and emerging regenerative strategies.

Main Results:

• Detailed elucidation of the interplay between articular cartilage's structure, composition, and mechanical function at tissue and cellular levels.
• Identification of key mechanisms underlying cartilage damage and natural healing.
• Summary of current clinical interventions and their limitations.

Conclusions:

• Articular cartilage regeneration is a significant clinical challenge requiring innovative approaches.
• Optical and acoustic stimulation show promise as mechanobiological tools to promote cartilage repair by mimicking native conditions.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and advance cartilage regeneration therapies.