Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Articular cartilage is a highly organized tissue that performs many essential functions in the musculoskeletal system. Damage to articular cartilage often requires surgical intervention due to its limited capacity for self-repair. Tissue engineering strategies using biodegradable polymers as scaffolds for cell transplantation provide many advantages over current therapies. Various design requirements of a successful polymer scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering are discussed. The use of preformed or injectable scaffolds depends on the intended application. Both natural and synthetic polymers that may serve as a scaffold for cartilage regeneration are summarized.