Development of a Biomimetic Hydrogel Based on Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem‐Cell‐Derived ECM for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The use of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a biomaterial has been an important step forward for the development of functional tissue constructs. In addition to tissues and organs, cell cultures are gaining a lot of attention as an alternative source of dECM. In this work, a novel biomimetic hydrogel is developed based on dECM obtained from mesenchymal stem cells (mdECM) for cartilage tissue engineering. To this end, cells are seeded under specific culture conditions to generate an early chondrogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) providing cues and elements necessary for cartilage development. The composition is determined by quantitative, histological, and mass spectrometry techniques. Moreover, the decellularization process is evaluated by measuring the DNA content and compositional analyses, and the hydrogel is formulated at different concentrations (3% and 6% w/v). Results show that mdECM derived hydrogels possess excellent biocompatibility and suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties for their injectability. Furthermore, it is evidenced that this hydrogel is able to induce chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without supplemental factors and, furthermore, to form hyaline cartilage-like tissue after in vivo implantation. These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of this hydrogel based on mdECM for applications in cartilage repair and regeneration.

Scrapie-Responsive Gene 1 Promotes Chondrogenic Differentiation of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Wnt5a

“…We established a full-thickness cartilage defect model in the knee joints of New Zealand white rabbits, a commonly used animal model for cartilage repair experiments. Unlike other models, we did not use a triple-combination graft composed of cells, scaffolds, and inducers [ 7 , 32 , 33 ]. Instead, we used growth factor-reduced Matrigel as a scaffold.…”

Repair of osteochondral defects mediated by double-layer scaffolds with natural osteochondral-biomimetic microenvironment and interface

“…To solve the above problem, the key challenge is preparing an ideal double-layer scaffold. Such a double-layer scaffold should simultaneously meet the following requirements: 1) biomimetic chondrogenic microenvironment and structure of the cartilage layer for supporting cartilage regeneration [ [15] , [16] , [17] ]; 2) biomimetic osteogenic microenvironment and structure of the bone layer for supporting bone regeneration [ [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] ]; 3) biomimetic interface between the cartilage layer and bone layer similar to the native osteochondral interface [ [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] ]; 4) high mechanical strength suitable for surgical operation and immediate function maintenance [ [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ]; and 5) a biomimetic three dimensional (3D) morphology that matches the osteochondral defect. Apparently, it is very difficult to prepare such a challenging scaffold with the above multiple requirements via artificial synthesis.…”

Bioinspired, Recyclable, Stretchable Hydrogel with Boundary Ultralubrication

“…Hydrogels have gained increasing popularity in multiple fields, for example, controlled drug delivery, , tissue engineering, , sensor materials, , and water treatment, , due to their unique integration of liquid and solid properties. In particular, hydrogels are often used to structurally mimic the biotissues due to their highly hydrated three-dimensional (3D) backbone. , One of the dominant features of biotissues, such as cartilage, esophagus, cornea, blood vessel, intestine, and so forth, is their excellent lubrication ability.…”