Multilayered Scaffold with a Compact Interfacial Layer Enhances Osteochondral Defect Repair

Abstract

Repairing osteochondral defect (OCD) using advanced biomaterials that structurally, biologically, and mechanically fulfill the criteria for stratified tissue regeneration remains a significant challenge for researchers. Here, a multilayered scaffold (MLS) with hierarchical organization and heterogeneous composition is developed to mimic the stratified structure and complex components of natural osteochondral tissues. Specifically, the intermediate compact interfacial layer within the MLS is designed to resemble the osteochondral interface to realize the closely integrated layered structure. Subsequently, macroscopic observations, histological evaluation, and biomechanical and biochemical assessments are performed to evaluate the ability of the MLS of repairing OCD in a goat model. By 48 weeks postimplantation, superior hyalinelike cartilage and sound subchondral bone are observed in the MLS group. Furthermore, the biomimetic MLS significantly enhances the biomechanical and biochemical properties of the neo-osteochondral tissue. Taken together, these results confirm the potential of this optimized MLS as an advanced strategy for OCD repair.

Current Trends in the Evaluation of Osteochondral Lesion Treatments: Histology, Histomorphometry, and Biomechanics in Preclinical Models

“…In contrast with an almost generalized use of macroscopic and microscopic scores (mainly ICRS score and O'Driscoll score) and histological analyses, in 7/14 papers, microtomographical assessment is reported, and in 5/14 papers, biomechanical tests are performed; among these, 4/5 were indentation tests and 1/5 compression test. When specified, the site selected for the creation of osteochondral defects was in one case the talus [56], in one paper, the trochlea and the medial condyles [57], and for the other papers, medial condyles [58–62] or both medial and lateral condyles [29, 63–75]. In some cases, the choice of central weight-bearing area was underlined [60, 61, 66, 67].…”

“…In all papers, biomechanical tests were performed before histological analyses on fresh samples, except for the paper by Mayr et al in which PMMA embedding was performed, and achieved load, absorbed energy, and contact stiffness were evaluated [68]. Jia et al [62] and Jurgens et al [57] measured Young's modulus, keeping samples in PBS at room temperature during the compression and indentation tests. Marquass et al also tried to mimic a physiological environment during the test using a polymethylmethacrilate (PMMA) tank filled with PBS (7.4 pH) [59].…”

An elastin-like recombinamer-based bioactive hydrogel embedded with mesenchymal stromal cells as an injectable scaffold for osteochondral repair

“…As noted above, the samples were evaluated using the ICRS gross morphology assessment scale. Briefly, this gross evaluation takes into consideration three parameters, namely the degree of defect repair, integration with the border zone and macroscopic appearance [54]. Each of these parameters is evaluated on a scale of 0–4, with a total score ranging from 0 to a maximum of 12.…”

Advanced hydrogels for the repair of cartilage defects and regeneration

“…In addition, the mechanical characteristics are dissimilar between cartilage surface and osteochondral tissue. An approach that employs a multilayered scaffold with hierarchical organization might be superior for osteochondral defect repairs [ 3 , 32 ]. Due to the characteristics observed in defects and the difference in tissues, the materials used for the repair should be designed to accommodate for different kinds of defects.…”