Treatment for the osteochondral defects (ODs) is more challenging nowadays that needs to be addressed by developing alternative bone tissue engineering materials. Gellan gum (GG) is a widely used natural polysaccharide in the field of tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine due to its versatile properties. There are many reports about the successful application of GG in cartilage tissue engineering and guiding bone formation. Functional coatings and porous composite materials have been introduced in next-generation materials for treating OD, whereas osteoconductive materials, such as demineralized bone particle (DBP) or bone derivatives, are used. However, modification of porosity, biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and mechanical properties is needed. DBP can activate human mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblast cells. In this chapter, the potential application of GG with DBP in different combinations was reviewed, and the best suitable combinations were selected and further studied in small animal models for the soft and hard tissue engineering applications; also its application in the osteochondral integration fields were briefly discussed.
Keywords: Biomaterial; Demineralized bone particle; Gellan gum; Hydrogel; Osteoarthritis; Osteochondral defect; Osteochondral defects; Scaffold; Tissue engineering.