Image: Biomechanical mapping of a nanoenabled scaffold of the RESTORE project
Good biocompatibility, adequate mechanical properties, specific chemical and physical properties – these are only a few of the requirements for cartilage regeneration approaches.
Scaffolds are promising constructs for cartilage repair because they can provide an environment similar to native cartilage tissue. Structural features like porosity, pore size, interconnectivity and permeability are crucial for the cartilage regeneration process and additionally guide the mechanical properties of the scaffolds.
Obtaining an appropriate three-dimensional structure depends on the manufacturing method and the materials used. Materials for scaffolds should be biocompatible and (partially) biodegradable, non-toxic and their components should be able to resist the harsh biochemical and biomechanical environment in the body. So far, hybrid scaffolds composed of synthetic materials and natural components are the most promising ones for cartilage regeneration. The development of 3D matrices that meet all these requirements is still a challenge in the field of tissue engineering.
In the interdisciplinary RESTORE project, a step is being taken towards an effective approach for cartilage repair. Through the collaboration of orthopaedic surgeons, biomedical engineers, material scientists, cell biologists and small and medium-sized enterprises, the RESTORE partners are working together on the approach to address current challenges and unmet clinical needs in the field of cartilage repair. [1]
Reference: [1] “Wasyłeczko, M., Sikorska, W., and Chwojnowski, A. (2020). Review of Synthetic and Hybrid Scaffolds in Cartilage Tissue Engineering. Membranes 10, 348.
