| dc.description.abstract | Articular cartilage lacks intrinsic repairing potential, thus, osteochondral lesions might develop
degenerative and lasting defects. These defects lead to pain and disability in young adults, and
when these are left untreated, they can develop into early Osteoarthritis (OA). To overcome this
problem, cell therapies offer healing and functional replacement of the damaged tissue. In the
regenerative medicine field, chondrocytes and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have previously
been studied to regenerate the articular cartilage. Recently however, Articular Cartilage
Progenitor Cells (ACPCs), a sub-population of chondrocytes, have emerged as an alternative to
use in these therapies. Choosing the medium conditions and the correct growth factors, in order
to enhance the chondrogenic potential of these cells, has been a major challenge within this field.
In contrast with previous studies which used growth factors such as Transforming Growth Factor
Beta-1 (TGFβ1) and different Bone Morphogenic Proteins (BMPs), this project focused on
exploring the chondrogenic potential effects of BMP9 on ACPCs. Because other factors, such as
cell environment and scaffold, are also crucial to improve the cell differentiation and integration
in the cartilage native tissue, different three-dimensional (3D) structures were also studied under
BMP9 conditions. Norbornene Acid Hyaluronic modified hydrogels (NorHa) were used to
improve the chondrogenic differentiation of ACPCs, and polycaprolactone (PCL) 3D printed
meshes were assessed as possible articular cartilage implants to guide and reinforce the
chondrogenic differentiation. | |
