Abstract
One of the core tenets of our philosophy for tissue regeneration include the use of “raw materials,” where biomaterials themselves serve as both building blocks and bioactive signals. In recent years, a few groups around the world have gravitated toward cartilage matrix as a potentially chondroinductive material for cartilage regeneration. The major challenge to date in cartilage injury has been creating a biomaterial-only strategy that is capable of regenerating true hyaline-like cartilage without the addition of growth factors or exogenous cells. In the past few years, we have focused our efforts on establishing chondroinductivity in vitro, and in developing new materials synthesis strategies to provide ease of application for orthopedic surgeons in the operating room. By leveraging nanotechnology, we have developed a paste-like material constructed from cartilage matrix with encouraging mechanical performance post-crosslinking, and which avoids contraction after extended time. Looking to the future, we are working on next-generation approaches to chondroinductive materials. We have encouraging preliminary data which suggest the possibility of a chondroinductive response to a novel peptide sequence in vitro, which may be enhanced by simultaneous inclusion of adhesion peptides. Initial in vivo data in regeneration of rabbit femoral condyle cartilage defects may suggest promising regenerative capabilities with hydrogels based on these peptides. If indeed chondroinductive materials exist, and if they can be delivered easily, are safe, and can be provided at reasonable cost and with a reasonable regulatory strategy, chondroinductive materials may hold the potential to revolutionize cartilage regeneration.
