Matrix deposition modulates the viscoelastic shear properties of hydrogel-based cartilage grafts.

Hydrogel-based scaffolds such as alginate have been extensively investigated for cartilage tissue engineering, largely due to their biocompatibility, ambient gelling conditions, and the ability to support chondrocyte phenotype. While it is well established that the viscoelastic response of articular cartilage is essential for articulation and load bearing, the time-dependent mechanical properties of hydrogel-based cartilage scaffolds have not been extensively studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the intrinsic viscoelastic shear properties of chondrocyte-laden alginate scaffolds and determine the effects of seeding density and culturing time on these properties.