Synergistic strategies of scaffold construction and drug delivery systems for cartilage regeneration.

Qiyao ZHANG; Pei FENG; Zihan PEI; Yinsheng CAO; Kun JIANG; Xiong CAI; Ping WU

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Synergistic strategies of scaffold construction and drug delivery systems for cartilage regeneration.

Author: Qiyao ZHANG ¹ ; Pei FENG ² ; Zihan PEI ¹ ; Yinsheng CAO ³ ; Kun JIANG ¹ ; Xiong CAI ¹ ; Ping WU ¹
Author Information

1. Science and Technology Innovation Center, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China.
2. College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, China.
3. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, Hunan, China.
Publication Type:English Abstract
Keywords: cartilage defect; cartilage tissue engineering; drug delivery; drug-loaded scaffold; growth factor; natural medicine
MeSH: Tissue Engineering/methods*; Humans; Tissue Scaffolds; Drug Delivery Systems/methods*; Regeneration; Cartilage, Articular/physiology*; Animals; Biocompatible Materials
From: Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3049-3063
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: In recent years, the rapid development of transportation and sports industries, coupled with the accelerated population aging in China, has led to a steady increase in the incidence of articular cartilage injuries, wear, and degenerative changes. Currently, the clinical treatment options for cartilage defects primarily include conservative therapies and surgical interventions, both of which have certain limitations. Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE), as a novel technology, provides an infinite prospect for cartilage regeneration and repair. Because of the abilities of scaffolds to mimic the natural cartilage structure, exhibit excellent biocompatibility and biomimetic mechanical properties, and promote cell adhesion and proliferation, scaffolds are considered effective delivery systems for growth factors, genes, and drugs. This review summarizes the clinical treatments for cartilage defects and their limitations, discusses the materials and preparation techniques of scaffolds used in CTE, with a particular focus on drug-loaded scaffold delivery systems in cartilage repair and regeneration, and offers a perspective on the future application of drug-loaded CTE. The aim is to provide theoretical guidance and new approaches for the repair of cartilage defects.