Regeneration of Articular Cartilage Using Injectable Hybrid Polymer Hydrogel Incorporated With Nanoparticles

Abstract

Cartilage damage is still a threat to human beings, yet there is currently no treatment available to fully restore the function of cartilage. Recently, due to their unique structures and properties, injectable hydrogels have been widely studied and have exhibited high potential for applications in therapeutic areas, especially in cartilage repair. In this review, briefly introduce the properties of cartilage, some articular cartilage injuries, and now available treatment strategies. Afterwards,the functional and fundamental requirements of injectable hydrogels in cartilage tissue engineering, as well as the main advantages of injectable hydrogels as a therapy for cartilage damage, including strong plasticity and excellent biocompatibility. Moreover, we comprehensively summarize the polymers, cells, and bioactive molecules regularly used in the fabrication of injectable hydrogel, with two kinds of gelation, i.e., physical and chemical crosslinking, which ensure the excellence design of injectable hydrogels for cartilage repair. We also include the novel hybrid injectable hydrogel incorporated with nanoparticles. Finally, we conclude with the advances of this clinical application and the challenges of injectable hydrogels used in cartilage.