Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites for ligament/tendon tissue engineering

Abstract

Ligaments and tendons are fibrous tissues with poor vascularity and limited regeneration capacity. Currently, a ligament/tendon injury often require a surgical procedure using auto-or allografts that present some limitations. These inadequacies combined with the significant economic and health impact have prompted the development of tissue engineering approaches. Several natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers as well as composites, blends and hybrids based on such materials have been used to produce tendon and ligament scaffolds. Given the complex structure of native tissues, the production of fiber-based scaffolds has been the preferred option for tendon/ligament tissue engineering. Electrospinning and several textile methods such as twisting, braiding and knitting have been used to produce these scaffolds. This review focuses on the developments achieved in the preparation of tendon/ ligament scaffolds based on different biodegradable polymers. Several examples are overviewed and their processing methodologies, as well as their biological and mechanical performances, are discussed. Fig. 20 a 3D view of the theoretical designed PLA screw-like scaffold structure. b The prepared PLA screw-like scaffold. c The SEM image of the PLA scaffold surface with well-defined orthogonal structure (Reprinted with permission from [114])

Functional regeneration and repair of tendons using biomimetic scaffolds loaded with recombinant periostin

“…With regard to regeneration of the full-cut tendon defect, it is crucial to utilize the suitable biomaterials to load exogenous growth factors and provide a mechanical support for recruitment of endogenous stem cells or fibroblastic cells, promote natural cell–cell communication, and maintain ECM integrity in the early stage of tendon regeneration 5 , 56 – 58 . Currently available scaffolds (e.g., autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic biomaterials) have several inherent limitations, including donor site morbidity, poor graft integration, high rates of recurrent tearing, and inflammatory responses; these limitations can ultimately cause failed integration of biomechanical and structural tendon regeneration 42 , 59 , 60 . To mimic the native tendon physicochemical architecture, we developed a dynamic diffusion-template self-assembly strategy that allowed orderly assembly of parallel-aligned ECM collagen fibrils.…”

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Surface Treatment of Polymers and Influence on Cell Cultivation

“…This versatility is attributed to the wide spectrum of physical and chemical properties, ease of fabrication with a wide variety of structures that range from simple mats to complex shapes, and biocompatibility. There are many biomedical applications utilizing polymers, for instance, drug delivery vehicles [ 58 , 59 ], tissue engineering scaffolds [ 60 , 61 ], wound dressing [ 62 , 63 , 64 ], and biomedical sensors [ 65 , 66 ]. Although polymers have suitable bulk properties for some biomedical applications, their surface properties are not appropriate.…”

Advanced Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Strategies for Meniscal Regeneration

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