A hybrid cartilage extracellular matrix-based hydrogel/poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffold incorporated with Kartogenin for cartilage tissue engineering.

Despite extensive studies, hydrogels are unable to meet the mechanical and biological requirements for successful outcomes in cartilage tissue engineering. In the present study, beta cyclodextrin (β-CD)-modified alginate/cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM)-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel was developed for sustained release of Kartogenin (KGN). Furthermore, the hydrogel was incorporated within a 3D-printed poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/starch microfiber network in order to reinforce the construct for cartilage tissue engineering. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by H-NMR spectroscopy. The hydrogel/microfiber composite with a microfiber strand size and strand spacing of 300 μm and 2 mm, respectively showed a compressive modulus of 17.2 MPa, resembling the properties of the native cartilage tissue. Considering water uptake capacity, degradation rate, mechanical property, cell cytotoxicity and glycosaminoglycan secretions, β-CD-modified hydrogel reinforced with printed PCL/starch microfibers with controlled release of KGN may be considered as a promising candidate for using in articular cartilage defects.