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A Tissue‐Penetrating Double Network Restores the Mechanical Properties of Degenerated Articular Cartilage
Author(s) -
Cooper Benjamin G.,
Stewart Rachel C.,
Burstein Deborah,
Snyder Brian D.,
Grinstaff Mark W.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201511767
Subject(s) - cartilage , materials science , articular cartilage , biomedical engineering , osteoarthritis , tissue engineering , anatomy , medicine , pathology , alternative medicine
Incorporation of an interpenetrating polymer network into an existing single polymer network enables augmentation of the original substrate's mechanical properties, and translation of this concept from purely synthetic materials to natural–synthetic hybrid systems provides the opportunity to reinforce mechanical properties of bulk biological substrates. In many disease states, the mechanical properties of bodily tissues deteriorate rendering them prone to further material failure. Herein, a tissue‐supplementing technique is described in which an interpenetrating biomimetic hydrogel is polymerized in situ throughout cartilage tissue. The treatment restores the inferior compressive properties of osteoarthritic cartilage to that of healthy cartilage, preferentially localizing to weaker regions of tissue. Furthermore, the treatment technique preserves cartilage under harsh articulation conditions, showing promise as a materials‐based treatment for early‐stage osteoarthritis.