Tailored PVA/ECM scaffolds for cartilage regeneration

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:762189. doi: 10.1155/2014/762189. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

Articular cartilage lesions are a particular challenge for regenerative medicine due to cartilage low self-ability repair in case of damage. Hence, a significant goal of musculoskeletal tissue engineering is the development of suitable structures in virtue of their matrix composition and biomechanical properties. The objective of our study was to design in vitro a supporting structure for autologous chondrocyte growth. We realized a biohybrid composite scaffold combining a novel and nonspecific extracellular matrix (ECM), which is decellularized Wharton's jelly ECM, with the biomechanical properties of the synthetic hydrogel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Wharton's jelly ECM was tested for its ability in promoting scaffold colonization by chondrocytes and compared with polyvinyl alcohol itself and the more specific decellularized cartilage matrix. Our preliminary evidences highlighted the chance of using Wharton's jelly ECM in combination with PVA hydrogels as an innovative and easily available scaffold for cartilage restoration.

MeSH terms

  • Cartilage, Articular / drug effects*
  • Cartilage, Articular / metabolism*
  • Cartilage, Articular / physiology
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism
  • Chondrocytes / physiology
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol / pharmacology*
  • Regeneration / physiology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds
  • Umbilical Cord / drug effects
  • Umbilical Cord / metabolism
  • Umbilical Cord / physiology
  • Wharton Jelly / drug effects
  • Wharton Jelly / metabolism
  • Wharton Jelly / physiology

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol