Functionalized Hydrogels for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Articular cartilage (AC) is an avascular and flexible connective tissue located on the bone surface in diarthrodial joints. AC defects are common knees of young physically active individuals. Because lack suitable tissue-engineered artificial matrices, current therapies for defects, especially full-thickness osteochondral interfaces, fail to replace or regenerate damaged adequately. With rapid research development advancements engineering (ACTE), functionalized hydrogels have emerged as promising matrix substitutes because their favorable biomechanical properties, water content, swelling ability, cytocompatibility, biodegradability, lubricating behaviors. They can be rationally designed conveniently tuned simulate extracellular cartilage. This article briefly introduces composition, structure, function its followed by a comprehensive review exquisite (bio)design (bio)fabrication repair. Finally, we summarize challenges encountered hydrogel-based strategies ACTE both vivo vitro future directions clinical translation.