Anatomy

Self-healing hydrogels

Pathology

Biotechnology

Polymer chemistry

Mesenchymal stem cell

In vivo

Articular cartilage

Biology

Biophysics

Surface modification

Biomedical engineering

Physical chemistry

Regeneration (biology)

Chemistry

Materials science

Alternative medicine

Dextran

Osteoarthritis

Hyaline cartilage

Cartilage

Cell biology

Chondrogenesis

Biochemistry

Medicine

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Here, kartogenin (KGN), an emerging stable nonprotein compound with the ability to promote differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into chondrocytes, was grafted onto the surface of modified ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron-oxide (USPIO) and then integrated into cellulose nanocrystal/dextran hydrogels. The hydrogels served as a carrier for the USPIO-KGN and a matrix for cartilage repair. We carried out in vitro and in vivo studies, the results of which demonstrated that KGN undergoes long-term stable sustained release, recruits endogenous host cells, and induces BMSCs to differentiate into chondrocytes, thus enabling in situ cartilage regeneration. Meanwhile, the USPIO-incorporated theranostic hydrogels exhibited a distinct magnetic resonance contrast enhancement and maintained a stable relaxation rate, with almost no loss, both in vivo and in vitro. According to noninvasive in vivo observation results and immunohistochemistry analyses, the regenerated cartilage tissue was very similar to natural hyaline cartilage. This innovative diagnosis and treatment system increases the convenience and effectiveness of chondrogenesis.

Functionalization of Novel Theranostic Hydrogels with Kartogenin-Grafted USPIO Nanoparticles To Enhance Cartilage Regeneration