Beddoes Charlotte M, Whitehouse Michael R, Briscoe Wuge H, Su Bo
School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK.
Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Level 1 Learning and Research Building, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.
Materials (Basel). 2016 Jun 3;9(6):443. doi: 10.3390/ma9060443.
Hyaline cartilage is a strong durable material that lubricates joint movement. Due to its avascular structure, cartilage has a poor self-healing ability, thus, a challenge in joint recovery. When severely damaged, cartilage may need to be replaced. However, currently we are unable to replicate the hyaline cartilage, and as such, alternative materials with considerably different properties are used. This results in undesirable side effects, including inadequate lubrication, wear debris, wear of the opposing articular cartilage, and weakening of the surrounding tissue. With the number of surgeries for cartilage repair increasing, a need for materials that can better mimic cartilage, and support the surrounding material in its typical function, is becoming evident. Here, we present a brief overview of the structure and properties of the hyaline cartilage and the current methods for cartilage repair. We then highlight some of the alternative materials under development as potential methods of repair; this is followed by an overview of the development of tough hydrogels. In particular, double network (DN) hydrogels are a promising replacement material, with continually improving physical properties. These hydrogels are coming closer to replicating the strength and toughness of the hyaline cartilage, while offering excellent lubrication. We conclude by highlighting several different methods of integrating replacement materials with the native joint to ensure stability and optimal behaviour.
透明软骨是一种坚固耐用的材料，可润滑关节运动。由于其无血管结构，软骨的自我修复能力较差，因此是关节恢复中的一个挑战。当严重受损时，软骨可能需要被替换。然而，目前我们无法复制透明软骨，因此使用了性质差异很大的替代材料。这会导致不良副作用，包括润滑不足、磨损碎屑、相对关节软骨的磨损以及周围组织的弱化。随着软骨修复手术数量的增加，对能够更好地模仿软骨并支持周围材料发挥其典型功能的材料的需求变得愈发明显。在此，我们简要概述透明软骨的结构和特性以及当前的软骨修复方法。然后我们重点介绍一些正在开发的作为潜在修复方法的替代材料；随后概述坚韧水凝胶的发展情况。特别是，双网络（DN）水凝胶是一种很有前景的替代材料，其物理性能不断改善。这些水凝胶越来越接近复制透明软骨的强度和韧性，同时提供出色的润滑性能。我们最后强调了几种将替代材料与天然关节整合以确保稳定性和最佳性能的不同方法。
