Biomaterial approach may help cartilage retain shape

Stem cell–laden constructs maintained curved architecture for 6 days after investigators removed supporting hydrogel framework.

1

Researchers developed a 4-dimensional bio-Kirigami system combining a deformable, cell-laden hydrogel with a more rigid outer hydrogel ring.
2

Human mesenchymal stem cell–laden constructs formed dome-shaped curvatures during 21 days of culture in both expansion and chondrogenic conditions.
3

After removal of the outer ring, constructs cultured under chondrogenic conditions retained their dome shape for 6 days, whereas expansion-medium constructs gradually collapsed.
4

Chondrogenic constructs had greater glycosaminoglycan content, stronger Alcian blue and type II collagen staining, and higher DNA content than controls.
5

The study was limited by small cartilage-test samples, 6-day postremoval follow-up, and the absence of implantation or in vivo testing.

1