Bioenergetic-active hydrogel drives extracellular matrix synthesis for cartilage repair.

ABSTRACT: Bioenergy plays a fundamental role in cartilage anabolic processes such as extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. The design of bioenergetic-active materials for accelerating these processes provides a prospective strategy for cartilage repair. A biodegradable bioenergetic-active hydrogel (BAH) was designed with injectability and in situ photo-crosslinking capability. By enhancing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and adenosine 3-triphosphate (ATP) production, BAH elevated the cellular energy metabolic state of chondrocytes. Additionally, BAH rescued chondrocytes from oxidative stress, evidenced by restored ATP levels, declined ROS production, and improved mitochondrial morphology. BAH upregulated ACAN and Col2α1 gene expression to 189 % and 138 % of the ColH group

SUBMITTER: Jiang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12358662 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature