Smiljana Paraš

Smiljana Paraš
Evaluation of Novel Hydroxyapatite-Based Hydrogel for Osteochondral Regeneration in a Vietnamese Pig Knee Defect Model

Smiljana Paraš

University / Institution

University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Representing

Serbia

Articular cartilage injuries and osteochondral defects represent a major clinical challenge in orthopedic surgery because of the limited intrinsic regenerative capacity of hyaline cartilage. Hydroxyapatite provides osteoconductive properties and promotes subchondral bone remodeling, while chondroitin sulfate mimics the native extracellular matrix of articular cartilage and may stimulate proteoglycan synthesis and chondrocyte activity. Combinations of biocompatibile nanomaterial hydroxyapatite with polysaccharides and cellulose derivatives have shown encouraging regenerative potential in osteochondral tissue repair and mesenchymal stem cell proliferation. The experimental hydrogels investigated in the present study were designed as multifunctional biomaterials intended to overcome some of the limitations associated with currently available viscosupplementation agents and complex tissue-engineering scaffolds. Our Hydrogel composed of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyethyl cellulose, was developed to provide improved structural stability, osteoconductive potential, and prolonged persistence within the defect site while maintaining injectability and favorable handling characteristics. In addition to these properties, the hydroxyapatite component may support subchondral bone regeneration and osteointegration, whereas hydroxyethyl cellulose contributes to hydrogel consistency and defect filling capacity. Hydrogel was additionally enriched with sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate in order to combine osteoconductive properties with biomimetic support for cartilage extracellular matrix regeneration. Histological and stereological results of this study demonstrate the presence of cartilage and bone tissue regeneration in tibial epiphyseal growth plate region in group treated with the Hydrogel compared with the control groups. Furthermore, Hydrogel treated bone tissue  showed evidence of neoangiogenesis, with no signs of inflammatory processes, cyst formation, or necrosis.