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Publications

Journal Article Review Ahead of print

PubMed: 41902979 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-026-07023-4

Harnessing biopolymeric double network hydrogels for cartilage repair: a review of current strategies.

J Mater Sci Mater Med

Authors: Vahid Rahimkhoei, Yuksel Akinay, Ali Akbari, Aseel M Aljeboree, Forat H Alsultany, Masoud Salavati-Niasari

Affiliations

  • Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Research Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  • Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.
  • Department of Engineering, Faculty of Mining Engineering, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
  • Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Research Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  • Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences for Girls, University of Babylon, Hilla, Iraq.
  • Department of Medical Physics, College of Sciences, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, Iraq.
  • Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.
  • Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.

Abstract

Hydrogels with a double network (DN) structure that are based on carbohydrates have shown potential as scaffolds for the regeneration of cartilage. We postulate that these hydrogels can aid in the repair of cartilage and sustain the regeneration of tissue because of their ability to hold large quantities of water and large amounts of bioactive molecules. Some recent preclinical studieswith DN hydrogels that have been modified with growth factors, other biological molecules, and or therapeutic agents have shown enhanced growth of the cartilage tissue, hydration, and structural integrity of the tissue. In this review, we detail these advancements as potential carbohydrate-based double network hydrogels for the treatment of cartilage defects and osteoarthritis. Optimized DN hydrogels are tissue engineering scaffolds for cartilage regeneration, with the potential to translate to clinical practice.

MeSH

Hydrogels, Growth, Biocompatible Materials, Biomedical Engineering, Therapeutics, Tissues, Carbohydrates, Cartilage