Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Development and Future: A Review

Abstract Background: Articular cartilage is an avascular structure. Injured cartilage cannot self-repair, which results in joint pain and loss of mobility, eventually requiring articular cartilage replacement. Cartilage tissue engineering is a promising approach for regeneration and repair. Findings: In this paper, we reviewdc the normal structure and function of articular cartilage, the history of clinical techniques of cartilage tissue engineering, and two categories of cell sources for cartilage engineering. We also explored the environment of cell regeneration that includes scaffolds, growth factors, biomechanical stimulation in a three-dimensional bioreactor, and possible mechanical signal pathways. Conclusion: Successful cartilage tissue engineering relies on “energetic” cells, a number of growth factors, reliable scaffolds such as articular cartilage extracellular matrix oriented scaffolds, and joint-like mechanical stimuli.