PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2023

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

Paul S, Schrobback K, et al.

APL Bioengineering

Queensland University of Technology, Gelomics Pty Ltd, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University

RESEARCH SUMMARY

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.

Compressive mechanical properties of GelMA and GelMA-glycol chitosan hydrogels were quantified using micro-indentation testing performed on a CellScale MicroTester. Measurements were conducted under hydrated, temperature-controlled conditions at 37 °C in PBS to determine elastic modulus changes resulting from cell encapsulation and intermittent uniaxial mechanical stimulation during culture.

AUTHORS

Sattwikesh Paul; Karsten Schrobback; Phong Anh Tran; Christoph Meinert; Jordan William Davern; Angus Weekes; Udhaya Nedunchezhiyan; Travis Jacob Klein.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

APL Bioengineering

YEAR

2023

INSTITUTIONS

Queensland University of Technology, Gelomics Pty Ltd, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University

COUNTRIES

Australia, Bangladesh

INSTRUMENT USED

MicroTester

TESTING METHODS

Hydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingIndentation TestingMicro-Mechanical Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

3D Bioprinting & Bioink Materials TestingCartilage and Meniscus MechanicsCell Laden HydrogelsHydrogel Mechanical Testing

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