A Graded, Porous Composite of Natural Biopolymers and Octacalcium Phosphate Guides Osteochondral Differentiation of Stem Cells

Lesions involving the osteochondral unit are difficult to treat. Biomimetic scaffolds previously shown as promising alternative. Such devices often lack multiple functional layers that mimic bone, cartilage, and interface. In this study, multilayered developed based on use of natural extracellular matrix (ECM)-like biopolymers. Particular attention is paid obtain a complex mimics native transition. Porous, sponge-like chitosan-collagen-octacalcium phosphate (OCP) obtained. Collagen content increases while amount OCP particles decreases toward cartilage layer. The bioactive mineral layer deposited containing hydroxyapatite at bony side. stimulate proliferation human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, but degree depends cell seeding density. give rise zone-specific gene expression. RUNX2, COL1A1, BGLAP, SPP1 upregulated in scaffold. SOX9 concomitant with COL2A1 expression zone. Mineralization presence cells prominent bone area Ca P steadily increasing over time. These results encouraging for fabrication biomimetic using ECM-like materials featuring gradients tissues their