GelMA-Glycol Chitosan Hydrogels for Cartilage Regeneration: The Role of Uniaxial Mechanical Stimulation in Enhancing Mechanical, Adhesive, and Biochemical Properties

This study evaluated visible-light crosslinked GelMA–glycol chitosan hydrogels as injectable, bioadhesive scaffolds for cartilage repair. Bovine chondrocyte-laden hydrogels were cultured within cartilage defects and subjected to intermittent uniaxial mechanical stimulation. Mechanical loading enhanced hydrogel stiffness, adhesive integration with native cartilage, and extracellular matrix production while maintaining high cell viability. The results demonstrate that mechanically stimulated GelMA-GC hydrogels support functional cartilage regeneration under physiologically relevant loading conditions.