POLYMER-CERAMIC-HYDROGEL COMPOSITE SCAFFOLD FOR OSTEOCHONDRAL REPAIR

摘要

This invention pertains to materials and methods relating to the biological fixation of one tissue type to another different tissue type, i.e., the fixation of cartilage to bone. A scaffold apparatus for osteochondral tissue engineering is described. The apparatus comprises regions of varying matrices which provide a functional interface between multiple tissue types. Further, a method for preparing the scaffold apparatus is provided. Methods for treating osteochondral tissue injury and cartilage degeneration using the scaffold apparatus are also described. In addition, a method for evaluating cell­mediated and scaffold-related parameters of development and maintenance of multiple tissue zones in vitrois described.