Functional Polyurethane Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair

Biomacromolecules, vol. 27, pp. 4125–4154

Abstract

Articular cartilage (AC) defects can lead to joint destruction and osteoarthritis, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent progressive cartilage degeneration. To support cartilage repair, hydrogels have been explored due to their structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM), offering a hydrated microenvironment for chondrocytes that promotes cell adhesion and proliferation. Polyurethane (PU) is a promising candidate with adjustable mechanical properties, high biocompatibility, and degradability. Given the advantages of both hydrogels and PU for biomedical applications, functional degradable PU hydrogels present a potential solution for cartilage regeneration. This review summarizes the structure-property relationship and degradation mechanisms of PU hydrogels. Their advanced functionalities in cartilage repair are highlighted, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, controlled drug delivery, injectability, self-healing, and stimulus responsiveness. By reviewing recent advances and emerging technologies, this review provides valuable insights and a future outlook for the development of next-generation cartilage repair materials.

Authors 4

1. Tongtong Cui

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP)

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

2. Azra Kocaarslan

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

3. Yosuke Akae Aachen Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology · Japan Society for the Promotion of Science · RWTH Aachen University · The University of Osaka

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan

   Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP)

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1a, 52074 Aachen, Germany

   Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

4. Patrick Théato corresponding

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP)

   Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

   Soft Matter Synthesis Laboratory─Institute for Biological Interfaces III (IBG-3)