Work

KGN-functionalized PLGA-nHA scaffold modulate TGF-β and Hippo pathways for osteochondral repair

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: • 3D-printed gradient porosity scaffold: 302 μm cartilage, 500 μm bone. • Kartogenin was covalently grafted onto a thermosensitive hydrogel with 48.3%. • Uniform hydroxyapatite coating boosted bone growth and neutralized acidic byproducts. Given the complexity of the osteochondral repair process, this study developed a composite scaffold system (KGN-Gel/PLGA nHA ) comprising a 3D-printed gradient-porosity PLGA scaffold (cartilage layer: 302 μm, calcified layer: dense, bone layer: 500 μm) uniformly coated with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and a thermosensitive hydrogel (KGN-Gel) with covalently grafted Kartogenin (KGN, grafting rate 48.3%). Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) encapsulated in KGN-Gel were injected into the cartilage layer pores for in situ gelation. The system synergistically modulated TGF-β/Smad2/3 and Hippo signaling pathway crosstalk, promoting chondrogenic and osteogenic gene expression. In a rabbit osteochondral defect model, the scaffold achieved spatially specific repair with upper-layer cartilage and lower-layer bone regeneration. This integrated strategy provides a promising approach for osteochondral tissue engineering.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.116038

Authors: Enbo Liu, Yachen Peng, Jianlin Zuo, Fei Chang, Yanbo Zhang

Institutions: Jilin University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650