Biomechanical behavior of novel biocompatible hydrogels for repair of osteochondral defects

Treatment of defects in articular cartilage is complicated by its limited spontaneous repair capacity. New approaches to treatment involve inducing healing with cells or growth factors. The effectiveness of these strategies requires delivery, spatial and temporal stability, as well as local biochemical and biologic effects. The authors have developed novel biomaterials based on hyaluronic acid for local delivery of cells and bioactive factors, with unique physical and biologic properties. These materials have been shown to induce ectopic chondrogenesis in a rat model. The biomechanical properties of these materials are evaluated, demonstrating confined compression behavior similar to cartilage. Hyaluronic acid hydrogel filled collagen sponge composites are promising materials with bioactive potential for repair of articular cartilage and the biomechanical ability to maintain spatial and temporal control during healing.