Fabrication of biomimetic hydrogel for chondrocyte delivery

Abstract A biomimetic scaffold for tissue engineering is the systematic combination of chemical compositions and biological functions. The purpose of this study was to design and prepare the biomimetic hydrogel scaffolds mimicking cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) with excellent performance. Hydrogels were fabricated by varying the composition and ratio of type I collagen (Col I) and modified hyaluronic acid (HA-CHO)/chondroitin sulfate (CS-ADH). The gelation of hydrogels occurred with the formation of hydrazone bond at mild conditions. Morphology, swelling ratio and compression property were investigated to characterize the physical properties of composite hydrogels. Chondrocytes were encapsulated in these hydrogels to evaluate their potential as scaffolds for chondrocyte delivery and cartilage tissue engineering. The results showed that hydrogel C8CH (the volume ratio of Col I, HA-CHO and CS-ADH was 4:1:1) had balanced mechanical and swelling properties, good cellular biocompatibility and excellent biological function to maintain chondrocyte phenotype and promote sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) secretion. Therefore, hydrogel C8CH may serve as a promising scaffold for cartilage repair.