Magnetic hydrogel applications in articular cartilage tissue engineering

Abstract

Articular cartilage defects afflict millions of individuals worldwide, presenting a significant challenge due to the tissue's limited self‐repair capability and anisotropic nature. Hydrogel‐based biomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for scaffold production in artificial cartilage construction, owing to their water‐rich composition, biocompatibility, and tunable properties. Nevertheless, conventional hydrogels typically lack the anisotropic structure inherent to natural cartilage, impeding their clinical and preclinical applications. Recent advancements in tissue engineering (TE) have introduced magnetically responsive hydrogels, a type of intelligent hydrogel that can be remotely controlled using an external magnetic field. These innovative materials offer a means to create the desired anisotropic architecture required for successful cartilage TE. In this review, we first explore conventional techniques employed for cartilage repair and subsequently delve into recent breakthroughs in the application and utilization of magnetic hydrogels across various aspects of articular cartilage TE.

A review of advanced hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

“…Magnetic hydrogels (MHs) are a group of smart hydrogels that have recently been evaluated and used for tissue engineering and targeted drug delivery applications. These 3D structures are remotely controlled by an external magnetic field and can provide a platform for cell growth, proliferation, and migration ( Taghizadeh et al, 2023 ). Drug delivery by MHs allows drugs to be transported directly to the target tissue due to the presence of a magnetic field.…”

“…MHs are produced through the combination of magnetic agents and a hydrogel matrix. Nowadays, iron-based magnetic and biocompatible nanoparticles are used to combine with hydrogel matrix in various tissue engineering applications (e.g., bone, cartilage, heart, and nerves) ( Pardo et al, 2021 ; Taghizadeh et al, 2023 ).…”

“…The most magnetic nanoparticles used in cartilage tissue engineering applications include; Maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) and magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ). Nevertheless, other nanomaterials such as neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), cobalt ferrite, and nickel ferrite have been introduced by researchers for cartilage tissue engineering applications ( Taghizadeh et al, 2023 ). In the following, we review several published manuscripts on the application of MHs for cartilage tissue engineering as a new approach.…”