2. Academic Validation
  3. Gellan Gum-Based Hydrogels for Osteochondral Repair

Gellan Gum-Based Hydrogels for Osteochondral Repair

  • Adv Exp Med Biol. 2018;1058:281-304. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-76711-6_13.
Lígia Costa 1 2,  Joana Silva-Correia 1 2,  J Miguel Oliveira 3 4 5,  Rui L Reis 1 2 6
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 3Bs Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Barco GMR, Portugal.
  • 2 ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
  • 3 3Bs Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Barco GMR, Portugal. miguel.oliveira@dep.uminho.pt.
  • 4 ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal. miguel.oliveira@dep.uminho.pt.
  • 5 The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal. miguel.oliveira@dep.uminho.pt.
  • 6 The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Headquarters at University of Minho, Avepark, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.
PMID: 29691827 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-76711-6_13
Abstract

Gellan gum (GG) is a widely explored natural polysaccharide that has been gaining attention in tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine field, and more recently in osteochondral TE approaches. Taking advantage of its inherent features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, similarity with the extracellular matrix and easy functionalization, GG-based hydrogels have been studied for their potential for cartilage and bone tissue regeneration. Several preclinical studies describe the successful outcome of GG in cartilage tissue engineering. By its turn, GG composites have also been proposed in several strategies to guide bone formation. The big challenge in osteochondral TE approaches is still to achieve cartilage and bone regeneration simultaneously through a unique integrated bifunctional construct. The potential of GG to be used as polymeric support to reach both bone and cartilage regeneration has been demonstrated. This chapter provides an overview of GG properties and the functionalization strategies employed to tailor its behaviour to a particular application. The use of GG in soft and hard tissues regeneration approaches, as well in osteochondral integrated TE strategies is also revised.

Keywords

Bilayered scaffolds; Bone; Cartilage; Gellan gum; Osteochondral.

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