(BQ) Part 2 book “Articular cartilage” has contents: Tissue engineering of articular cartilage, methods for evaluating articular cartilage quality, perspectives on the translational aspects of articular cartilage biology, ec for generation and evaluation of articular cartilage. | Tissue Engineering of Articular Cartilage 4 • Need for in vitro tissue engineering • Cell source • Biomaterials and scaffold design • Bioactive molecules • Bioreactors and mechanical stimuli • Convergence of stimuli I n this chapter, we discuss the strategies employed by researchers striving to repair or regenerate articular cartilage through biological means. While methods to repair cartilage using surgery exist (., debridement, microfracture, and mosaicplasty), tissue engineering holds the promise of complete regeneration. Furthermore, engineered constructs can be designed that are mechanically functional from day 1, potentially decreasing recovery time for the patient. Focus has been placed on the three main pillars of tissue engineering: cell source, scaffold design, and external stimulation through the use of bioactive molecules and mechanical bioreactors (Figure ). Cell sources that are discussed include primary chondrocytes as well as 257 Articular Cartilage Scaffolds Porous meshes Hydrogels Weaved fibers Composites Cells Scaffolds provide substrate for cell growth and mechanical integrity for postsurgical implantation Autologous chondrocytes Mesenchymal stem cells (marrow derived or adipose derived) Cartilage tissue engineering Scaffolds coated with bioactive molecules act as drug delivery systems for improved repair in vivo Bioactive molecules induce differentiation, proliferation, and metabolic activity of cells Bioactive molecules IGF TGF-β BMP PRP-derived cytokines Figure Traditional paradigm of tissue engineering consisting of the three components of scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules. (From Daher, R. J. et al., Nat Rev Rheumatol 5(11): 599-607, 2009. With permission.) stem and progenitor cells. Natural, synthetic, and hybrid biomaterials have all been used for cartilage engineering, with the latest approaches building upon previous findings to create new and innovative scaffolds suitable for long-term repair. Growth .
