Towards a load bearing hydrogel: A proof of principle in the use of osmotic pressure for biomimetic cartilage constructs

Cartilage defects occur frequently and can lead to osteoarthritis. Hydrogels are a promising regenerative strategy for treating such defects, using their ability of mimicking the native extracellular matrix. However, commonly used hydrogels for tissue regeneration are too soft to resist load-bearing in the joint. To overcome this, an implant is being developed in which the mechanical loadbearing function originates from the osmotic pressure generated by the swelling potential of a charged hydrogel, which is restricted from swelling by a textile spacer fabric. This study aims to quantify the relationship between the swelling potential of the hydrogel and the compressive stiffness of the implant.

Automated summary

Cartilage defects are common and can lead to osteoarthritis. Hydrogels are a promising strategy for regenerating tissue, but commonly used hydrogels are too soft for joint load-bearing. To address this, an implant is being developed that uses osmotic pressure generated by a charged hydrogel and restricted swelling to provide mechanical load-bearing function. This study aims to quantify the relationship between hydrogel swelling potential and implant compressive stiffness.