The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Cartilage integrity, driven by chondrocytes within a robust extracellular matrix, is essential for joint mobility. To replicate the properties of cartilage and properly regulate cell behavior, the strategic engineering of tissue constructs that can precisely modulate cellular responses is essential. Building on recent advancements in spheroid-based therapies and tunable hydrogel systems, this study focuses on the critical role of mesenchymal condensation and the surrounding niche in chondrogenesis. We developed semi-interpenetrating polymer network composed of hexanoyl glycol chitosan and gelatin methacryloyl to encapsulate spheroids, effectively recapitulating the developmental microenvironment. This specialized matrix not only restrains spheroid sprouting but also synergistically promotes chondrogenic maturation while mitigating hypertrophic progression. These findings suggest that our spheroids-laden semi-IPN platform provides microenvironment for cartilage tissue engineering.