Bioinspired scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration.
Osteochondral defects are difficult to treat because the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone have dissimilar characteristics and abilities to regenerate. Bioinspired scaffolds are designed to mimic structural and biological cues of the native osteochondral unit, supporting both cartilaginous and subchondral bone repair and the integration of the newly formed osteochondral matrix with the surrounding tissues. The aim of this review is to outline fundamental requirements and strategies for the development of biomimetic scaffolds reproducing the unique and multifaceted anatomical structure of the osteochondral unit. Recent progress in preclinical animal studies using bilayer and multilayer scaffolds, together with continuous gradient scaffolds will be discussed and placed in a translational perspective with data emerging from their clinical application to treat osteochondral defects in patients.
1 Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute , Milan, Italy .
Silvia
S
Lopa
Henning
H
Madry
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000494:pharmacology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials