Gelatin-based extracellular matrix cryogels for cartilage tissue engineering

In this study, gelatin-based cryogels were fabricated by mixing methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) with methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) or methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (MeCS) for cartilage tissue engineering. In vitro revealed that MeCS incorporated gelatin-based cryogel (G-MeCS) showed significant cartilaginous tissue stimulation. Furthermore, the cell-laden gelatin-based ECM cryogels were implanted into mouse subcutaneous tissue for 6 weeks and displayed uniform distribution of cells with normal phenotype maintenance. Finally, when these cryogels were implanted into osteochondral defect of New Zealand white rabbit, full integration with host tissue and increased cellularity were observed with G-MeCS cryogel. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.