Improving Joint Function Using Photochemical Hydrogels for Articular Surface Repair
Abstract
The goal of our research is to introduce a novel means to regenerate the articular cartilage and restore normal function of the joint A strategy that can generate durable hyaline articular cartilage, which will be predominantly type II collagen, and is capable of integrating with the surrounding cartilage matrix (without fissures) could improve the long-term outcome of joint surface repair Key findings are 1) Several modifications of photochemically crosslinked gels including a) Adding fibrin to the type I collagen solution and photchemically crosslinking the combination gel using Riboflavin as the photoinitiator and blue light (458 nm) increases the bulk modulus of the gels; b) Performing the photochemical crosslinking under hy[poxic conditions may improve cell survival; c) Cells are uniformly distributed throughout the crosslinked gels and the cells begin producing pericellular matrix by 2 weeks in vitro in the gels; and c) High cell survival and matrix production was noted in the poly( ethylene) glycol thiol-ene gels. 2) Cell tracking was verified in vivo with Oil labeled cells encapsulated in gels placed in nude mice for up to 8 weeks. 3) Formation of new cartilage matrix was demonstrated in vivo in mice using photochemically crosslinked gels and swine articular chondrocytes placed into cartilage rings 4) Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from swine were isolated and differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages with commercial differentiation media containing growth factors inducing differentiation. 5) Chondrocytes encapsulated in photochemically crosslinked hydrogels can survive the crosslinking and implantation process as shown in swine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA574683
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Gill
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital