Tissue Mimicry in Morphology and Composition Promotes Hierarchical Matrix Remodeling of Invading Stem Cells in Osteochondral and Meniscus Scaffolds

Abstract

An integral approach toward in situ tissue engineering through scaffolds that mimic tissue with regard to both tissue architecture and biochemical composition is presented. Monolithic osteochondral and meniscus scaffolds are prepared with tissue analog layered biochemical composition and perpendicularly oriented continuous micropores by a newly developed cryostructuring technology. These scaffolds enable rapid cell ingrowth and induce zonal-specific matrix synthesis of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells solely through their design without the need for supplementation of soluble factors such as growth factors.

Keywords: cartilage; cryostructuring; hierarchical monolithic scaffolds; in situ tissue engineering; meniscus.