Injectable Composite Biomaterials for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Articular cartilage lesions can result in excruciating pain, and in some severe cases can lead to disability. Despite a wide range of cartilage regeneration treatments being available, many are often unable to offer a comprehensive solution and in some cases can even be detrimental to the situation. In this project, an injectable composite material which consists of a hydrogel plus porous polyHIPE particles is developed for cartilage tissue engineering. The mechanical properties, swelling degree and degradation rate of the composite hydrogel as well as stem cells chondrogenesis within this system are positively assessed.