Interpenetrating alginate on gelatin–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) as a functional polymeric matrix for cartilage tissue engineering

Abstract

In this work, we report the fabrication of an interpenetrating alginate network on a gelatin and (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (GAH). The anisotropic architecture of scaffold promotes the proliferation of chondrocytes. The anisotropy provided by the alginate influences the cellular response because high collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents were found in the cells cultured on the GAH scaffold compared to the scaffold (GH) without alginate. The in vivo experiments demonstrate that the scaffold and the disposition of matrix components, particularly collagen, could promote neovascularization with the ability to recruit cells from the surrounding tissue.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Anisotropic
• alginate
• cartilage tissue engineering
• interpenetrating network
• macroporous scaffold
• polysaccharide

Acknowledgments

The authors are extremely thankful to Prof. Saekwang KU from Daegu Haany University, College of Oriental Medicine, for histological staining and use of the facilities.

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by a 2014 Yeungnam University Research Grant.