The effect of biopolymer matrices on the properties and quality of cellular products for cartilage tissue regeneration

Cell therapy or tissue engineering is currently one of the potentially effective strategies for repairing cartilage defects. Mesenchymal stromal cells and autologous and allogeneic chondrocytes obtained from cartilage biopsies from patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery are the most commonly used cells for tissue engineering. Matrices (scaffolds) often used during cell implantation can facilitate successful cell implantation. These can be static supporting or plastic hydrogel substances obtained by various methods from natural or synthetic materials, allowing cells to be delivered to the site damaged by injection. Significant advantages of biocompatible hydrogels in cartilage injury therapy are determined based on the properties of the natural extracellular matrix and the high plasticity required for adapting to irregular surfaces of the tissue defect and allowing injectable cell delivery. These characteristics make injectable hydrogels a promising tool for cartilage bioengineering. This study highlights the progress in injectable hydrogels as carriers of different cells in the repair of cartilage tissue defects, as well as the current requirements and unresolved issues related to the use of such therapeutic approaches.