Osteochondral regeneration using a novel aragonite-hyaluronate bi-phasic scaffold in a goat model

Abstract

The implants with the mechanical modification and HA impregnation in the cartilage phase outperformed all other types of implant. Although native coral is an excellent material for bone repair, as a stand-alone material implant, it does not regenerate hyaline cartilage. Mechanical modification with drilled channels and impregnation of HA within the coral pores enhanced the scaffold's cartilage regenerative potential. The modified implant shows young hyaline cartilage regeneration. This implant might be useful for the treatment of both chondral and osteochondral defects in humans.

Tissue Engineering of Skeletal Tissues

“…While bone apatite or HA seems to match the elastic moduli and compressive strength of bone, it is extremely brittle and has a slow degradation rate. Nevertheless, while this method proves to be a superior technique in comparison to ACI, clinical results show that full, preinjury, repair, and function is still not achieved (Kon et al, 2013 (Epub ahead of print)). While this is the driving force to combine these two materials, achieving the strength necessary to use these scaffolds as 'functional implants' remains a challenge.…”

The osteochondral interface as a gradient tissue: From development to the fabrication of gradient scaffolds for regenerative medicine

“…Another biphasic scaffold, which reached the clinical practice, was developed by Kon et al (). The design was based on calcium carbonate in the form of crystalline aragonite for the bone side and on hyaluronic acid for the cartilage compartment (Kon et al, ,,,). The first study performed in a goat model aimed at defining the best construct design.…”

“…After 18 months, the man returned to his preinjury sport activity. MRI analysis at 24 months follow‐up showed promising results in terms of restoration of the articular cartilage (Kon et al, ,,,).…”

A Road Map to Commercialization of Cartilage Therapy in the United States of America

“…Holes are drilled into the bottom phase comprising coral material, through which the top phase material (hyaluronic acid) is gradually added to initially form a gradient, followed by a controlled deposition to form the desired height. 78 The product has currently secured approval for use in the European Union market and is running a multicenter, postmarketing clinical study (phase IV). As of 2015, the company secured four patents (three in the United States and one in Japan) for its proprietary cell-free, off-the-shelf cartilage regeneration technology for patients with injuries to the articular surface of joints.…”