Scaffold Material For Tissue Engineering Research Articles

A Gelatin-Hyaluronic Acid Double Cross-Linked Hydrogel for Regulating the Growth and Dual Dimensional Cartilage Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Owing to its unique physiochemical properties similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM), three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked hydrogels are widely studied materials for tissue engineering. In this study, to mimic the ECM microenvironment, a two-step covalent cross-linking with hyaluronic acid and gelatin was performed to form an interpenetrating polymer network structure. Gelatin as the first network greatly improved the mechanical strength of the hydrogels, while a hyaluronic acid network as the second network improved the tenacity and biological activity. Compared with a single network hydrogel, the interpenetrating hydrogel system can further regulate the mechanical properties of the hydrogel by adjusting the ratio of the two components, thereby changing the proliferation, activity, and direction of cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Not only that, with two culture methods for BMSCs on the surface and 3D wrapped in the double cross-linked hydrogels, they exhibited their potential to induce BMSCs to cartilage differentiation under the condition of 3D encapsulation of BMSCs and contact with BMSCs on its surface. As a scaffold material for cartilage tissue engineering, this double cross-linked hydrogel demonstrated its high feasibility and applicability in delivering BMSCs in vivo and repairing defects.

Adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration: Molecular insights and clinical applications.

Endometrial damage is an important cause of female reproductive problems, manifested as menstrual abnormalities, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and other complications. These conditions are collectively termed “Asherman syndrome” (AS) and are typically associated with recurrent induced pregnancy terminations, repeated diagnostic curettage and intrauterine infections. Cancer treatment also has unexpected detrimental side effects on endometrial function in survivors independently of ovarian effects. Endometrial stem cells act in the regeneration of the endometrium and in repair through direct differentiation or paracrine effects. Nonendometrial adult stem cells, such as bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, with autologous and allogenic applications, can also repair injured endometrial tissue in animal models of AS and in human studies. However, there remains a lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium after the reversal of tumors, especially endometrial cancers. Here, we review the biological mechanisms of endometrial regeneration, and research progress and challenges for adult stem cell therapy for damaged endometrium, and discuss the potential applications of their use for endometrial repair after cancer remission, especially in endometrial cancers. Successful application of such cells will improve reproductive parameters in patients with AS or cancer. Significance: The endometrium is the fertile ground for embryos, but damage to the endometrium will greatly impair female fertility. Adult stem cells combined with tissue engineering scaffold materials or not have made great progress in repairing the injured endometrium due to benign lesions. However, due to the lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium caused by malignant tumors or tumor therapies, the safety and effectiveness of such stem cell‐based therapies need to be further explored. This review focuses on the molecular insights and clinical application potential of adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration and discusses the possible challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome in stem cell‐based therapies for tumor survivors. The development of adult stem cell‐related new programs will help repair damaged endometrium safely and effectively and meet fertility needs in tumor survivors.

Investigation of transient mass transport induced deformation of PEGDA hydrogel in photocurable solution

Hydrogels have attractive characteristics such as notable biocompatibility, outstanding hydrophilia and efficient mass transport (MT), which makes hydrogel suitable for tissue engineering scaffold materials. Stereolithography is a prevalent method to prepare hydrogel scaffold with complex structure. However, it is difficult to ensure dimension accuracy in printing complex hydrogel scaffold since solvents can migrate in gel and render MT behavior, which consequently induce deformation and dimensional inaccuracy of printed hydrogel. Little investigation of MT of gel in mixture like solution is conducted. Aiming to depict multiple solvents MT in gel, a model is established by mainly modifying the representation of free energy of mixing to the multi-component one. This model is feasible to describe concurrent multiple solvents migration and mechanical deformation for hydrogel in liquid mixtures, which fulfills understanding of multi-component MT. In this work, the transient MT behaviors of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate gel in its photocurable solution are investigated by the model. The numerical model is validated by experimental results and then applied to simulate free and confined MT process of the system. It is found that the deformation trend is not monotonous and total gel deformation can be regulated by adjusting printing time. The correspondence between numerical and experimental results proved that this model can promisingly illustrate multi-component MT induced deformation and provide instructions on improving dimensional accuracy for printing hydrogels.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrospinning of a Functionalizable, Polycaprolactone-Based Polyurethane for Soft Tissue Engineering.

We synthesized a biodegradable, elastomeric, and functionalizable polyurethane (PU) that can be electrospun for use as a scaffold in soft tissue engineering. The PU was synthesized from polycaprolactone diol, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) chain extender using two-step polymerization and designated as PU-DMPA. A control PU using 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) as a chain extender was synthesized similarly and designated as PU-BDO. The chemical structure of the two PUs was verified by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. The PU-DMPA had a lower molecular weight than the PU-BDO (~16,700 Da vs. ~78,600 Da). The melting enthalpy of the PU-DMPA was greater than that of the PU-BDO. Both the PUs exhibited elastomeric behaviors with a comparable elongation at break ( 13.2). The PU-DMPA had a higher initial modulus (19.8 MPa vs. 8.7 MPa) and a lower linear modulus (0.7 MPa vs. 1.2 MPa) and ultimate strength (9.5 MPa vs. 13.8 MPa) than the PU-BDO. The PU-DMPA had better hydrophilicity than the PU-BDO. Both the PUs displayed no cytotoxicity, although the adhesion of human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells on the PU-DMPA surface was better. Bead free electrospun PU-DMPA membranes with a narrow fiber diameter distribution were successfully fabricated. As a demonstration of its functionalizability, gelatin was conjugated to the electrospun PU-DMPA membrane using carbodiimide chemistry. Moreover, hyaluronic acid was immobilized on the amino-functionalized PU-DMPA. In conclusion, the PU-DMPA has the potential to be used as a scaffold material for soft tissue engineering.

Advances in the Application of Hydroxyapatite Composite Materials in Bone Tissue Engineering

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the main inorganic component of the bones and teeth, and it possesses bioactivity and biocompatibility. However, due to its poor mechanical performance, slow degradation speed, and lack of diversity in its function, it is difficult to apply HAp alone as a scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. By combining HAp with other types of materials, composite materials with specific properties can be prepared, and the scopes of HAp applications can be expanded. Firstly, we elaborated on the importance, and strengths and weaknesses of HAp for bone tissue engineering biomaterials and then reviewed the research status of HAp composite materials used in bone regeneration. Secondly, about hot research topics in the field of applying HAp composite materials in bone repair, we summarized the representative findings in the field, and discussions and analysis were made accordingly. Finally, we also examined the future development prospects of HAp composite bone repair materials.

Study of Surface Morphology and Porosity of Composite Scaffold Nanofiber PVA/CS/HA with Electrospinning Method

This research aims to compose nanofibers as a scaffold material in bone tissue engineering in terms of surface morphological properties and porosity. HA nanorod was prepared by the precipitation-ultrasonication method, while the PVA/CS/HA nanofiber composites were made by the electrospinning method using a static collector. HA was characterized by using XRD and SEM-EDX, while the PVA/CS/HA nanofiber composites used FTIR and SEM. The results show that HA nanorod has a crystalline size of 10.86 nm, crystallinity level of 52.38 per cent, and Ca/P ratio of 1.70. From the SEM image shows HA nanorod width of 11.6 nm and 97.53 nm in length and some of it still in the form of HA nanoparticles. The diameter and porosity of PVA/CS/HA nanofiber with addition of 0, 10, 20 per cent HA were 275, 212, 265 nm and 72.94, 69.49, 70.81 per cent, respectively.

Applications of Biocompatible Scaffold Materials in Stem Cell-Based Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

Cartilage, especially articular cartilage, is a unique connective tissue consisting of chondrocytes and cartilage matrix that covers the surface of joints. It plays a critical role in maintaining joint durability and mobility by providing nearly frictionless articulation for mechanical load transmission between joints. Damage to the articular cartilage frequently results from sport-related injuries, systemic diseases, degeneration, trauma, or tumors. Failure to treat impaired cartilage may lead to osteoarthritis, affecting more than 25% of the adult population globally. Articular cartilage has a very low intrinsic self-repair capacity due to the limited proliferative ability of adult chondrocytes, lack of vascularization and innervation, slow matrix turnover, and low supply of progenitor cells. Furthermore, articular chondrocytes are encapsulated in low-nutrient, low-oxygen environment. While cartilage restoration techniques such as osteochondral transplantation, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and microfracture have been used to repair certain cartilage defects, the clinical outcomes are often mixed and undesirable. Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) may hold promise to facilitate cartilage repair. Ideally, the prerequisites for successful CTE should include the use of effective chondrogenic factors, an ample supply of chondrogenic progenitors, and the employment of cell-friendly, biocompatible scaffold materials. Significant progress has been made on the above three fronts in past decade, which has been further facilitated by the advent of 3D bio-printing. In this review, we briefly discuss potential sources of chondrogenic progenitors. We then primarily focus on currently available chondrocyte-friendly scaffold materials, along with 3D bioprinting techniques, for their potential roles in effective CTE. It is hoped that this review will serve as a primer to bring cartilage biologists, synthetic chemists, biomechanical engineers, and 3D-bioprinting technologists together to expedite CTE process for eventual clinical applications.

Preparation and Biocompatibility Characterization of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Films

Silk fibroin (SF) has excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties and has been widely applied in the fields of scaffold materials for tissue engineering, drug delivery materials, etc. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), as one of the most commonly used cells with many remarkable properties for modern biomedicine research fields, can serve as the indicator to characterize the biocompatibility of culture materials according to the cell proliferation. In the research described in this paper we studied the effects of SF films formed by various dissolution methods and various kinds of SF materials on the MEFs cell cultivation. Three groups of different SF films were prepared, namely, mulberry SF films prepared by a LiBr dissolution system, mulberry SF films prepared by a HCOOH/CaCl2 dissolution system and tussah SF films prepared by a HCOOH/CaCl2 dissolution system. The prepared SF films were characterized for morphology and structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) were utilized to examine the growth of the MEFs on the SF films. The experimental results of the three groups of SF films were compared; they showed that the mulberry SF film, prepared by the LiBr dissolution system, had the best biocompatibility and a positive effect on the growth and proliferation of the MEFs.

Biofunctional Extracellular Matrix-Polycaprolactone-Hydroxyapatite Scaffold and Synovium Mesenchymal Stem Cells/Chondrocytes for Repairing Cartilage Defects.

Articular cartilage defects and degeneration can be caused by multiple factors, and the current clinical treatment schemes for pathological changes are relatively limited. Engineered cartilage tissue represents an alternative therapy for repairing cartilage defects in regenerative medicine. The scaffold material is considered the framework of tissue engineering; thus, scaffold material selection plays a crucial role in the therapy outcome. Polycaprolactone (PCL)-hydroxyapatite (HA) has been applied as a scaffold material for bone and cartilage tissue engineering with nontoxic, harmless metabolites and proper physical properties. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is mainly composed of collagen and proteoglycan, as well as a large number of growth factors and cytokines, which provide a tissue-specific microenvironment for host cells. Adipose-derived stem cells are pluripotent stem cells, and transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) enables mesenchymal stem cells to promote ECM production. This study, via in vitro and in vivo experiments, elucidated that the synovium mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) + chondrocytes + ECM-PCL-HA repair system, which is constructed upon the ECM-PCL-HA scaffold material, exhibits an adequate chondrogenic ability and reparatory effect. Overall, ECM-PCL-HA can be defined as a biofunctional scaffold material. The SMSCs + chondrocytes + ECM-PCL-HA repair system showed good confluency between the new cartilage and the surface, as well as the interface of the adjacent host cartilage. Furthermore, the structure of new cartilage tissue is consistent with adjacency. Thus, it can be used as a preferred plan for articular cartilage defect repair. Impact statement Studies investigating the chondrogenic ability and reparatory effect of the synovium mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) + chondrocytes + extracellular matrix (ECM)-polycaprolactone (PCL)-hydroxyapatite (HA) repair system provided a theoretical and practical basis for choosing ECM-PCL-HA as the scaffold material for cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, the transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) gene was introduced into adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) using a lentiviral vector to enhance ECM production. The decellularized ADSCs-ECM-PCL-HA acted as a biofunctional scaffold material with suitable physicochemical properties, which was advantageous for SMSC and chondrocyte adhesion and growth. Lastly, the SMSCs + chondrocytes + ECM-PCL-HA repair system showed excellent capability in the flush fusion state of the prosthetic surface and interface.

Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) Nanofiber Morphology Control and Influence of Properties

Electrospinning has the advantages of large specific surface area and high porosity, and the nanofibers prepared by it can be widely used in environmental engineering, wound dressing, scaffold materials, biomedicine and other fields. Because gelatin is a biological material with biodegradable and good biocompatibility properties; while poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) is a biological material with excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. Therefore, the prepared PLCL/gelatin nanofiber membrane has good biocompatibility, and has minimal repellency to the body during clinical use, and is effective as a scaffold material. This article uses PLCL and gelatin as experimental materials to study the development and optimization of fiber scaffold materials. First introduce the existing tissue engineering scaffold materials, and then describe the basic principles of electrospinning technology. Used 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as solvent to prepare PLCL/GE spinning solution and prepare nanofiber membranes with different total concentrations and different ratios of PLCL to GE, then used the electrospinning process as preparation method to spin nanofiber membranes separately, and the microstructure and hydrophobic performance parameters of the nanofibers were tested and characterized.

Synthesis of a zwitterionic N-Ser-Ser-C dimethacrylate cross-linker and evaluation in polyampholyte hydrogels.

Polyampholyte hydrogels are attractive materials for tissue engineering scaffolds as they offer a wide variety of features including nonfouling, selective protein delivery, and tunable physical characteristics. However, to improve the potential performance of these materials for in vivo applications, there is a need for a higher diversity of zwitterionic cross-linker species to replace commonly used ethylene glycol (EG) based chemistries. Towards this end, the synthesis of a dipeptide based zwitterionic cross-linker, N-Ser-Ser-C dimethacrylate (S-S) from N-Boc-l-serine is presented. The strategy utilized a convergent coupling of methacrylated serine partners followed by careful global deprotection to yield the zwitterionic cross-linker with good overall yields. This novel cross-linker was incorporated into a polyampholyte hydrogel and its physical properties and biocompatibility were compared against a polyampholyte hydrogel synthesized with an EG-based cross-linker. The S-S cross-linked hydrogel demonstrated excellent nonfouling performance, while promoting enhanced cellular adhesion to fibrinogen delivered from the hydrogel. Therefore, the results suggest that the S-S cross-linker will demonstrate superior future performance for in vivo applications.

Application and research of adjuvant therapy in sports injury rehabilitation based on nano-biomaterials

The use of biomedical materials to prepare tissue engineering scaffold technology to construct functional auxiliary materials is of great significance in the prevention and treatment of sports injury complications. In this study, the most common sports injury, that is, the knee meniscus injury, is the main body of the study. Chitosan (CS) and nano silk fibroin (SFP) were used to prepare CS-SFP multi-microchannel catheter scaffold (CS-SFP MMC) to enhance its mechanical properties. The characterisation, porosity, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the scaffold material were evaluated. The results showed that the scaffold has good biocompatibility, has a suitable pore size and porosity, and provides a sufficient environment for the adhesion and growth of bone cells. At the same time, histological research was performed by constructing a rat knee meniscus injury model. Experiments showed that the healing results of CS-SFP MMC stent in treating knee joint meniscus injury in rats are better than those in control group. This indicated that the CS-SFP MMC stent has an auxiliary effect on meniscus damage repair. Therefore, CS-SFP MMC stent is an ideal bone tissue engineering scaffold material, which has the prospect of providing a new therapeutic material for clinical treatment of bone defects.

Research in Tissue Engineering Scaffold Materials for Alveolar Bone Repair.

An increasing number of scaffold materials are available for repairing alveolar bone defects. As each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, these characteristics should be carefully considered. This paper presents a review of the currently available materials for repairing alveolar bone defects, including artificial ceramics, polymers, and metals. The combination of seed cells or growth factors with these materials is the future trend for the treatment of alveolar bone defects. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and development status of various materials is carried out, providing a basis for future material selection.

A Brief Review on Prospective of Polyvinylidene Fluoride as a Tissue Engineered Scaffold Material

This review focuses on the potential of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as tissue scaffolding materials. PVDF is defined in terms of the synthesis mechanisms and the method of the β phase formation process. General properties are fundamentally discussed in terms of their wettability and electroactive characteristics, which play an essential role in modifying other potential materials for tissue-based applications. The latest technologies for the replacement of artificial tissue scaffolds are evaluated, and the applications of PVDF-based scaffolds are discussed.

Functionalization of amyloid fibrils via the Bri2 BRICHOS domain

Amyloid fibrils are mechanically robust and partly resistant to proteolytic degradation, making them potential candidates for scaffold materials in cell culture, tissue engineering, drug delivery and other applications. Such applications of amyloids would benefit from the possibility to functionalize the fibrils, for example by adding growth factors or cell attachment sites. The BRICHOS domain is found in a family of human proteins that harbor particularly amyloid-prone regions and can reduce aggregation as well as toxicity of several different amyloidogenic peptides. Recombinant human (rh) BRICHOS domains have been shown to bind to the surface of amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils by immune electron microscopy. Here we produce fusion proteins between mCherry and rh Bri2 BRICHOS and show that they can bind to different amyloid fibrils with retained fluorescence of mCherry in vitro as well as in cultured cells. This suggests a “generic” ability of the BRICHOS domain to bind fibrillar surfaces that can be used to synthesize amyloid decorated with different protein functionalities.

Silk fibroin vascular graft: a promising tissue-engineered scaffold material for abdominal venous system replacement

No alternative tissue-engineered vascular grafts for the abdominal venous system are reported. The present study focused on the development of new tissue-engineered vascular graft using a silk-based scaffold material for abdominal venous system replacement. A rat vein, the inferior vena cava, was replaced by a silk fibroin (SF, a biocompatible natural insoluble protein present in silk thread), tissue-engineered vascular graft (10 mm long, 3 mm diameter, n = 19, SF group). The 1 and 4 -week patency rates and histologic reactions were compared with those of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts (n = 10, ePTFE group). The patency rate at 1 and 4 weeks after replacement in the SF group was 100.0% and 94.7%, and that in the ePTFE group was 100.0% and 80.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.36). Unlike the ePTFE graft, CD31-positive endothelial cells covered the whole luminal surface of the SF vascular graft at 4 weeks, indicating better endothelialization. SF vascular grafts may be a promising tissue-engineered scaffold material for abdominal venous system replacement.

Bentonite Reinforced Chitosan Scaffold: Effect of Bentonite Exfoliation on Scaffold Properties

Chitosan is under investigation as a biodegradable scaffolding material for tissue engineering. Crosslinked chitosan alone cannot form a self-supporting scaffold; hence, it needs reinforcement. The group reported the fabrication of chitosan scaffolds reinforced by exfoliated (E) and nonexfoliated or pristine (P) bentonite and compared their properties. Scaffolds were fabricated through the freeze-drying technique. Bentonite was exfoliated by allowing it to swell in water for a certain time interval. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) profile showed that swelling reduced the crystallinity of bentonite. Both types of bentonite dispersed well in the chitosan matrix and imparted structural stability to the scaffolds. Scaffolds had interconnected pores; apparent porosity of scaffold with E-bentonite was higher than of scaffold with P-bentonite. The scaffolds swelled almost 35% in 3 d without losing structural integrity. The scaffolds could be compressed to 50% of their original height. The compression modulus of the scaffold with E-bentonite was higher than that of the P-bentonite scaffold.

Recent Advances of Chitosan-Based Injectable Hydrogels for Bone and Dental Tissue Regeneration.

Traditional strategies of bone repair include autografts, allografts and surgical reconstructions, but they may bring about potential hazard of donor site morbidity, rejection, risk of disease transmission and repetitive surgery. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a multidisciplinary field that offers promising substitutes in biopharmaceutical applications, and chitosan (CS)-based bone reconstructions can be a potential candidate in regenerative tissue fields owing to its low immunogenicity, biodegradability, bioresorbable features, low-cost and economic nature. Formulations of CS-based injectable hydrogels with thermo/pH-response are advantageous in terms of their high-water imbibing capability, minimal invasiveness, porous networks, and ability to mold perfectly into an irregular defect. Additionally, CS combined with other naturally-derived or synthetic polymers and bioactive agents has proven to be an effective alternative to autologous bone and dental grafts. In this review, we will highlight the current progress in the development of preparation methods, physicochemical properties and applications of CS-based injectable hydrogels and their perspectives in bone and dental regeneration. We believe this review is intended as starting point and inspiration for future research effort to develop the next generation of tissue-engineering scaffold materials.

Modular, synthetic, thiol‐ene mediated hydrogel networks as potential scaffolds for 3D cell cultures and tissue regeneration

AbstractNatural polymers such as collagen are popular materials for tissue engineering scaffolds due to their innate bioactivity and biocompatibility. Being derived from animal sources, however, means that batch‐to‐batch consistency is often low and the extraction of collagen is costly. This conundrum facilitates the need for synthetic alternatives as scaffolding materials. In this study, a system of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based thiol‐ene coupled (TEC) hydrogel scaffolds is presented for tissue engineering purposes. The platform includes several necessary features, namely cytocompatibility, high swelling ability, biodegradability, tunable stiffness, and fast, straightforward fabrication. The swelling ability is provided by the hydrophilicity of the ether‐links of PEG, which facilitated the formation of high water content hydrogels that match the water content of soft tissues for the proper diffusion of nutrients and waste compounds. TEC ensures fast and facile fabrication, with cross‐linking moieties that allow for the biodegradation of the hydrogel network through hydrolytic cleavage. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds are made tunable in the range of storage moduli spanning <1 kPa to >100 kPa. It is also shown that despite the synthetic nature of the hydrogels, human dermal fibroblasts and murine macrophages, Raw 264.7, were able to survive and produce extracellular protein excretions while embedded in the 3D hydrogels.

Combined culture experiment of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and bioceramic scaffolds.

Articular cartilage injuries are common orthopedic conditions that severely affect the quality of life of patients. Tissue engineering can facilitate cartilage repair and the key points involve scaffolding and seed cell selection. Pre-experiments found a range of microstructures of bioceramic scaffolds suitable for chondrocyte adhesion and proliferation, and maintaining chondrocyte phenotype. Three-dimensional cultures of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) scaffolds were implanted into mice. According to the shape of the bioceramic scaffolds and the implantation time in vivo, RNA sequencing was performed on the removed scaffolds to explore the molecular mechanism. The in vitro bone plate culture can induce differentiation of chondrocytes, making culture different to that produced in vitro. Implantation of scaffolds in vivo increases the expression of bone-related genes. The ceramic rod-like material was found to be superior to the disc shape, and the bone repair effect was more marked with longer implantation times. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that ‘cell chemotaxis’, ‘negative regulation of ossification’ and ‘bone development’ pathways were involved in recovery. It was further confirmed that BMSCs were suitable as seed cells for cartilage tissue engineering, and that the β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold maybe ideal as cartilage tissue engineering scaffold material. The present research provided new insights into the molecular mechanism of cartilage repair by BMSCs and bioceramic scaffolds. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that AMMECR1L-like protein, tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 2, inhibitor of nuclear factor-B kinase subunit and protein kinase C type and ‘negative regulation of ossification’ and ‘bone development’ pathways may be involved in osteoblast maturation and bone regeneration.