Encapsulation of Cartilage Cells Publisher



Pazhouhnia Z^{1, 2} ; Beheshtizadeh N^{1, 2} ; Lotfibakhshaiesh N^{1, 2} Show Affiliations
Source: Principles of Biomaterials Encapsulation: Volume 2 Published:2023

Abstract

Cartilage is a tissue without blood vessels and lymph in the body, and it cannot repair and regenerate itself upon extensive damage. Injuries can disrupt a patient’s daily functioning and cause pain due to wear and tear on the bones. Common methods used in treating invasive cartilage injuries are considered inefficient, including implantation of the individual’s chondrocytes, microenvironment, bone marrow stimulation, and removal of the damaged part. One of the essential alternative methods that have been introduced as an efficient solution in this field is tissue engineering strategy. The primary goal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in orthopedics is developing natural alternatives to regenerate, preserve, or improve damaged tissue. Biomaterials used in tissue engineering as scaffolding are divided into two general categories, natural and synthetic. An ideal scaffold should have desirable biocompatibility and mechanical properties along with suitable biodegradability and induce cartilage formation process along with effective intercellular interactions. Treating cartilage diseases based on cell encapsulation promises the treatment of multiple injuries. The cell encapsulation strategy is a method in which cells secreting therapeutic agents are stabilized inside biocompatible polymer carriers and transported to the body away from the immune system. Hydrogels, as a group of hydrophilic polymeric materials with a lattice structure, contain high amounts of water and have ideal indicators for being used in this field due to their optimal biocompatibility and mimicking the natural properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These materials allow uniform mixing of cells, therapeutic agents, and growth factors. Smart hydrogels can produce stable cellular carriers in response to environmental changes; therefore, they have been widely used in cell encapsulation and tissue engineering applications. This chapter discusses encapsulation techniques and natural and synthetic biomaterials and cells used to repair cartilage tissue damage. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.