Anatomy, molecular structures, and hyaluronic acid – Gelatin injectable hydrogels as a therapeutic alternative for hyaline cartilage recovery: A review

• Published in: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials Applied biomaterials, 2023-09, Vol.111 (9), p.1705-1722
• Main Authors: Vaca‐González, Juan Jairo, Culma, Juan José Saiz, Nova, Lady Marcela Higuera, Garzón‐Alvarado, Diego Alexander
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - metabolism; Biocompatible Materials - pharmacology; Biodegradation; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Bones; Cartilage; Cartilage (articular); Cartilage diseases; Cartilage, Articular - metabolism; Cells (biology); Chemical synthesis; Chondrocytes; Damage; Extracellular matrix; Gelatin; Gelatin - chemistry; Gelatin - pharmacology; Growth plate; Humans; Hyaline Cartilage - metabolism; Hyaluronic acid; Hyaluronic Acid - chemistry; hybrid hydrogel; Hydrogels; Hydrogels - chemistry; injectable hydrogels; Joint diseases; Long bone; Materials research; Materials science; Molecular Structure; Osteoarthritis; Porosity; Progenitor cells; Sox9 protein; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; Water absorption
• ISSN: 1552-4973; 1552-4981
• DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35261

Cartilage damage caused by trauma or osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that can increase the social and economic burden in society. Due to its avascular characteristics, the poor migration ability of chondrocytes, and a low number of progenitor cells, the self‐healing ability of cartilage defects has been significantly limited. Hydrogels have been developed into one of the most suitable biomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage because of its characteristics such as high‐water absorption, biodegradation, porosity, and biocompatibility similar to natural extracellular matrix. Therefore, the present review article presents a conceptual framework that summarizes the anatomical, molecular structure and biochemical properties of hyaline cartilage located in long bones: articular cartilage and growth plate. Moreover, the importance of preparation and application of hyaluronic acid – gelatin hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering are included. Hydrogels possess benefits of stimulating the production of Agc1, Col2α1‐IIa, and SOX9, molecules important for the synthesis and composition of the extracellular matrix of cartilage. Accordingly, they are believed to be promising biomaterials of therapeutic alternatives to treat cartilage damage.