The impact of microstructure and extracellular matrix suspension on the proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for osteochondral defect repair

Authors: Elena Stocco , Marta Confalonieri , Silvia Barbon , Carolina Frison , Laura Acquasaliente , Riccardo Boscolo-Pecchie , Valentina Toro Marin , Martina Contran , Rafael Boscolo-Berto , Paola Brun , Silvia Todros , Piero G Pavan , Raffaele De Caro , Veronica Macchi , Andrea Porzionato

Keywords

oxidized polyvinyl alcohol, porosity, decellularized cartilage, composite porous scaffolds, 3D-printing.

Summary

The study develops bioactive scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration based on hydrogels made from partially oxidised polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA), with or without a decellularised extracellular matrix derived from cartilage (dECM). The scaffolds exhibited a porous, interconnected structure conducive to cell adhesion and proliferation, particularly when they contained higher levels of gelatine and the addition of dECM. In particular, the OxPVA+dECM scaffolds promoted chondrogenic differentiation and the deposition of cartilage matrix without inducing an inflammatory response in vivo. Concurrently, 3D-printed PLA bone scaffolds demonstrated good cell viability and complete colonisation. The results indicate the potential of these biomaterials for applications in osteochondral regeneration.

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