Advances in Mechanical Properties of Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Defect Repair

Abstract

Numerous factors, such as degeneration and accidents, frequently cause cartilage deterioration. Owing to the absence of blood vessels and nerves in cartilage tissue, the ability of cartilage tissue to heal itself after an injury is relatively low. Hydrogels are beneficial for cartilage tissue engineering owing to their cartilage-like structure and advantageous properties. Due to the disruption of its mechanical structure, the bearing capacity and shock absorption of cartilage are diminished. The tissue should possess excellent mechanical properties to ensure the efficacy of cartilage tissue repair. This paper discusses the application of hydrogels in the fields of cartilage repair, the mechanical properties of hydrogels used for cartilage repair, and the materials used for hydrogels in cartilage tissue engineering. In addition, the challenges faced by hydrogels and future research directions are discussed.

Keywords: cartilage defect; cartilage tissue engineering; hydrogel.