Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogels with Controlled Mechanics Affect Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Relevant to Growth Plate Injuries.

ABSTRACT: The growth plate is a complex cartilage structure in long bones that mediates growth in children. When injured, the formation of a "bony bar" can occur which impedes normal growth and can cause angular deformities or growth arrest. Current treatments for growth plate injuries are limited and result in poor patient outcomes, necessitating research toward novel treatments that can prevent bony bar formation and stimulate cartilage regeneration. This study investigates alginate-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels as an injectable biomaterial system to prevent bony bar formation. Biomaterial properties including stiffness and degradation are quantified, and the effect that material properties have on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate is quantified in vitro. Specifically, this study

SUBMITTER: Stager MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9481665 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature