Engineering synthetic scaffolds to repair and regenerate ruptured native tendon and ligament (T/L) tissues is a significant engineering challenge due to the need to satisfy both the unique biological and biomechanical properties of these tissues. Long-term clinical outcomes of synthetic scaffolds relying solely on high uniaxial tensile strength are poor with high rates of implant rupture and synovitis. Ideal biomaterials for T/L repair and regeneration need to possess the appropriate biological and biomechanical properties necessary for the successful repair and regeneration of ruptured tendon and ligament tissues.
Keywords: fiber architecture; fiber-reinforced hydrogel; hydrogel; ligaments; synthetic biomaterials; tendons.
© 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.