Nanostructured and aligned scaffold material for articular cartilage regeneration

Nanostructured and aligned polymeric materials show potential for articular cartilage applications. This study investigated responses of chondrocytes on nanostructured versus conventional poly(lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) surface properties. We also observed the chondrocyte growth and morphology changes on aligned PLGA substrates. Nanostructured substrates were obtained by treating the polymer with 10N NaOH. Then, the substrates were aligned by applying mechanical 60% longitudinal strain while the substrates cured. The results indicated that chondrocytes exhibit higher proliferation rate on nanostructured substrates, as well as showing directional growth along the aligned ridges. Therefore, the modifications of surface properties of polymer scaffold material enhance chondrocyte growth and alignment resulting in enhanced directional cartilage regeneration.