Cartilage tissue engineering
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 16, 2022,№ 3, 9-19.
A. Kukov1, I. Ivanova1, V. Raykov2, G. Altankov3, I. Altankova1
1 Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, UMHAT Lozenets – Sofia
2 Clinic of Orthopedics, UMHAT Lozenets – Sofia
3 Laboratory of 3D Printing, Modeling and Analysis, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Tissue engineering is a relatively new discipline that combines the principles of engineering and biological sciences to develop analogues that can significantly restore the functions of damaged tissues. In the current review, we focus on the main achievements of the leading authors in the field of cartilage tissue engineering and regeneration. This discipline is based on an association of biomaterials (scaffolds), cells and biological or environmental factors, also known as the ‘‘tissue engineering triad’’. Chondrocytes, fibroblasts, various types of stem cells, progenitor cells from cartilage tissues are described for their chondrogenic potential. The importance of different scaffolds to reproduce the characteristics of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) is highlighted. These bioconstructs provide cells with an environment capable of supporting their viability, proliferation and secretory activities. In cartilage tissue engineering, many scaffolds are studied, classified into three major groups: natural, synthetic, and hybrid. The importance of growth factors along with other components of ECM such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate for proper cell growth and development is also emphasized. Despite the difficulties in cartilage tissue engineering, at the present time new approaches to improve the stability and functionality of cartilage regeneration continue to be sought.
Key words: cartilage, tissue engineering, 3D, scaffolds, stem cells, chondrocytes
Address for correspondence: Alexader Kukov, MD, a_dimitroff@abv.bg