Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2014, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (34): 5540-5547.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.34.023

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Degradable natural polymer hydrogels in articular cartilage repair: safety and effectiveness assessment 

Zhao Wen1,2, Liu Yu-ying3, Liu Zi-hao4, Wang Mei4   

  1. 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the General Hospital of Chinese PLA (301 Hospital), Beijing 100853, China; 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Aerospace General Hospital, Beijing 100076, China; 3Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425,USA; 4Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
  • Revised:2014-07-02 Online:2014-08-20 Published:2014-08-20
  • Contact: Zhao Wen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the General Hospital of Chinese PLA (301 Hospital), Beijing 100853, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Aerospace General Hospital, Beijing 100076, China
  • About author:Zhao Wen, Master, Professor, Chief physician, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the General Hospital of Chinese PLA (301 Hospital), Beijing 100853, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beijing Aerospace General Hospital, Beijing 100076, China
  • Supported by:

    the Science and Technology Fund of Beijing Aerospace General Hospital

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Polymer hydrogels composed of highly hydrated crosslinked network mimic the composites of the cartilage extracellular matrix and are embedded with articular chondrocytes not only to support chondrocytes growth but also to promote chondrocytes proliferation and division which will induce the cartilage regeneration and repair.

OBJECTIVE: To review several kinds of natural polymer hydrogels and their newest progress and achievements.
METHODS: Relative literatures from January 1994 to July 2013 were classified and analyzed by searching the databases through PubMed, Springer, Sciencedirect and Ovid databases using the keywords of “natural polymers, biodegradable polymers, hydrogel scaffold, articular cartilage, regeneration”.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Natural proteins (collagen, gelatin) and polysaccharides (chitosan, hyaluronic acid) are widely used as natural polymer hydrogels. The natural polymer hydrogels have not only the physical characters beneficial to articular cartilage regeneration, but also the important biological parameters, such as biocompatibility, low immunological response, low cytotoxicity and degradation. Meanwhile, the polymer hydrogels with natural origin can promote cell adhesion, proliferation and division, and enhance the regeneration of new tissue. Moreover, they also can serve as carriers to sustain the release of drugs and growth factors. All in all, natural polymer hydrogels have a potential application in articular cartilage regeneration and repair.


中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:生物材料;骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性;组织工程


全文链接:

Key words: cartilage, articular, hydrogel, tissue engineering

CLC Number: