Anatomy, molecular structures, and hyaluronic acid – Gelatin injectable hydrogels as a therapeutic alternative for hyaline cartilage recovery: A review

Abstract

Cartilage damage caused by trauma or osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that can increase the social and economic burden in society. Due to its avascular characteristics, the poor migration ability of chondrocytes, and a low number of progenitor cells, the self-healing ability of cartilage defects has been significantly limited. Hydrogels have been developed into one of the most suitable biomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage because of its characteristics such as high-water absorption, biodegradation, porosity, and biocompatibility similar to natural extracellular matrix.Therefore, the present review article presents a conceptual framework that summarizes the anatomical, molecular structure and biochemical properties of hyaline cartilage located in long bones: articular cartilage and growth plate. Moreover, the importance of preparation and application of hyaluronic acidgelatin hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering are included. Hydrogels possess benefits of stimulating the production of Agc1, Col2α1-IIa, and SOX9, molecules important for the synthesis and composition of the extracellular matrix of cartilage. Accordingly, they are believed to be promising biomaterials of therapeutic alternatives to treat cartilage damage.

Cellulose nanocrystals‐reinforced dual crosslinked double network GelMA/hyaluronic acid injectable nanocomposite cryogels with improved mechanical properties for cartilage tissue regeneration

“…The use of different shapes and compositions of scaffolds has been explored for cartilage tissue engineering. Injectable hydrogels, in particular, have gained significant attention in this field 41,42 . However, this technique presents certain limitations, including the risk of leakage of prepolymer into surrounding tissues, tissue damage due to UV irradiation, and toxicity of crosslinking agents, which restrict their application.…”