Multilayered hydrogels with distinct biochemistry and perpendicular oriented microporous structure for zonal cartilage regeneration

摘要

Our study shows that covalently linked multi-layer hydrogels with chemically different layers can be prepared and that oriented micropores can be added perpendicular to the layers. The gels can be specifically bioactivated by covalent binding of cartilage ECM mimicking peptide sequences. Such materials will be a valuable alternative for use as cell-free scaffold in combination with microfracturation and allow rapid migration of stem cells into the hydrogels.