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Enhanced Cartilage Regeneration: Chemical, Mechanical, and In Vitro Analysis of Innovative TiO2-Reinforced PVA Implants

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study focuses on developing a synthetic, biocompatible graft for treating cartilage lesions. One-dimensional titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) were incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel and processed using freeze-drying without chemical surfactants. Upon optimization of the composition, it was found that the incorporation of TNT altered the biomechanical properties without causing any adverse physiological effects. Annealing treatment further enhanced mechanical strength and energy dissipation, promoting elasticity. The hydrogel with 2 wt % TNT achieved maximum mechanical strength and the storage modulus values indicated elastic dominance, and biotribological tests showed cartilage-like frictional response via hydrodynamic lubrication. Against the microorganisms Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, grafts showed significant antimicrobial activity. In vitro experiments demonstrated that these nanocomposite hydrogels supported adhesion, proliferation, and upregulation of cartilage-specific gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cells hMSCs. This suggests potential for promoting hMSC chondrogenic differentiation and accelerating cartilage regeneration.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07029

Authors: Santosh Kumar B Y, Arun M. Isloor, G. C. Mohan Kumar, Srirangam Prashanth, Anoop Penupolu

Institution: National Institute of Technology Karnataka

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935