Bio-engineered strategies for osteochondral defect repair

Abstract

Due to the absence of blood vessels and nerves, the regenerative potential of articular cartilage is significantly constrained. This implies that the impact of a ruptured cartilage extends to the entire joint. Osteoarthritis, a health condition, may arise due to injury and the progressive breakdown of joint tissues. The progression of osteoarthritis can be accelerated by the extensive degradation of articular cartilage, which is ranked as the third most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder necessitating rehabilitation, following low back pain and fractures. The existing therapeutic interventions for cartilage repair exhibit limited efficacy and seldom achieve complete restoration of both functional capacity and tissue homeostasis. Emerging technological advancements in the field of tissue engineering hold significant promise for the development of viable substitutes for cartilage tissue, capable of exhibiting functional properties. The overarching strategy involves ensuring that the cell source is enriched with bioactive molecules that facilitate cellular differentiation and/or maturation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the field of cartilage tissue engineering. Additionally, it offers an overview of recent clinical trials that have been conducted to examine the latest research developments and clinical applications pertaining to weakened articular cartilage and osteoarthritis.