Chitosan/polycaprolactone multilayer hydrogel: A sustained Kartogenin delivery model for cartilage regeneration.

Cartilage regeneration using biomaterial-guided delivery systems presents improved therapeutic efficacy of the biomolecules while minimizing side effects. Here, our hypothesis was to design a multilayer scaffold of chitosan (CS) hydrogel and polycaprolactone (PCL) mat to enhance the mechanical properties, integrity and stability of CS, especially for subsequent in vivo transplantation. After conjugation of the Kartogenin (KGN) into this structure, its gradual release can promote chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Creation of a unique architectural structure of bioactive glass sub-micron particles incorporated in a polycaprolactone/gelatin fibrous mat; characterization, bioactivity, and cellular evaluations.

In this study, submicron, monodispersed, spherical bioactive glass (BG) particles with a mean diameter of 720 ± 80 nm were produced through sol-gel process. The prepared BG particles were successfully incorporated into 70/30 (W/W) ratio of polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/GT) nanofibrous mats (250 ± 60 nm) through electrospinning to obtain a unique architectural structure for the first time. To enhance biodegradation and stability of the scaffolds, crosslinking using gluteraldehyde was applied.