Biomaterial‐Based Therapeutic Approaches to Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Repair Through Macrophage Polarization

Abstract

There is an ever‐increasing clinical and socioeconomic burden associated with cartilage lesions & osteoarthritis (OA). Its progression, chondrocyte death & hypertrophy are all facilitated by inflamed synovium & joint environment. Due to their capacity to switch between pro‐ & anti‐inflammatory phenotypes, macrophages are increasingly being recognized as a key player in the healing process, which has been largely overlooked in the past. A biomaterial‘s inertness has traditionally been a goal while developing them in order to reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions from the host organism. A better knowledge of how macrophages respond to implanted materials has made it feasible to determine the biomaterial architectural parameters that control the host response & aid in effective tissue integration. Thus, this review summarizes novel therapeutic techniques for avoiding OA or increasing cartilage repair & regeneration that might be developed using new technologies tuning macrophages into desirable functional phenotypes.

Emerging Roles of Macrophage Polarization in Osteoarthritis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

“…Biomaterials of both synthetic and natural origin have been investigated in the context of tissue regeneration 204 . When exposed to synthetic biomaterials, macrophages are polarized toward anti‐inflammatory functions as opposed to their normal pro‐inflammatory reaction to natural biomaterials, such as the dermis of mammalian origin 205,206 .…”

“…Biomaterials of both synthetic and natural origin have been investigated in the context of tissue regeneration. 204 When exposed to synthetic biomaterials, macrophages are polarized toward anti‐inflammatory functions as opposed to their normal pro‐inflammatory reaction to natural biomaterials, such as the dermis of mammalian origin. 205 , 206 Further, a number of variables, such as the surface morphology, design, and chemical composition, will have an effect on the in vivo and in vitro behavior of macrophages, which will further influence the development of tissue regeneration.…”

“… 205 , 206 Further, a number of variables, such as the surface morphology, design, and chemical composition, will have an effect on the in vivo and in vitro behavior of macrophages, which will further influence the development of tissue regeneration. 204 …”

Biomaterial-Based Gene Delivery: Advanced Tools for Enhanced Cartilage Regeneration

“…Implantable devices have emerged as a promising approach for gene therapy in OA by enabling localized and sustained delivery of therapeutic genes within the affected joint. 90 These devices, including hydrogels and nanoparticles, offer distinct advantages in terms of controlled release kinetics and targeted delivery, but their utility may be hindered by the invasiveness of the implantation procedure. 12 Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers, can be designed as implantable devices to encapsulate and protect the gene therapy within the joint.…”

Association Between Pain and Radiological Changes in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Osteoarthritis (OA), a predominant cause of disability worldwide, is characterized by the progressive degeneration of joint structures, notably the cartilage, alongside osteophyte formation and various structural abnormalities (1). This condition, particularly affecting the knee, stands as a leading source of pain and functional limitation, significantly impacting the quality of life among the elderly (4).…”