1. Amirkabir University of Technology 2. Amirkabir University of Technology 3. Amirkabir University of Technology 4. Amirkabir University of Technology
Abstract
Introduction
Articular cartilage has poor reparative capabilities. so osteoarthritis is widespread globally in almost 70% of people older than 65 years old. today, the tissue engineering has opened new solutions. among all, one of the most easy-to-use and bio-mimetic options are nano-fiber reinforced injectable hydrogel scaffolds. there is a new approach in cartilage tissue engineering, which stimulate cartilage physical nature and composite large amounts of nano-fibers in an injectable temperature-sensitive 3d-hydrogel field.
Methods
To achieve an injectable temperature-sensitive 3d-hydrogel, 2.5% chitosan and 1% gelatin (w/v) were dissolved in a solution of 0.1 m acetic acid. to reach the ph ranging 7.05-7.15, filtered solution of 50% β-glycerophosphat disodiom in distilled water was added slowly to it. before gelation, three groups of sterile crushed electrospun nano-fibers of plga (0%, 5% and 10%) together with chondrocytes were encapsulated in it.
Results
The analysis of degradation rate showed that with increasing nano-fibers in the composite, the rate of degradation is reduced. also, indentation test cleared that with increasing nano-fiber, mechanical strength of the composite is increased and rate of elastic modulus loss decreased. results of mtt assay and live/dead assay specifies that with increasing nano-fibers in the composite, proliferation and growth of cells were increased. finally, histological examination revealed that in nano-fiber-containing samples, more proteoglycans has been produced.
Conclusion
Composition of injectable hydrogel with nano-fibers can increase the mechanical properties and cell growth and proliferation simultaneously.
