| Abstract Scope |
Healthy Articular cartilage endures rigorous and repetitive physical stress but lacks intrinsic self-repair, even from minor injuries. Untreated cartilage defects often progress to degeneration and osteoarthritis, necessitating surgical intervention. Current therapies like osteochondral autografts/allografts, microfracture surgery, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation are limited by fibrocartilage formation, transient relief, high revision rates, and lengthy rehabilitation. The objective of this work is to develop an off-the-shelf, self-sealing patch graft for sutureless application to cartilage defects. Recently, inspired by the natural adhesive properties of marine mussels secreted proteins, we developed a hydrophilic polydopamine (hPDA)-based bioadhesive with strong tissue adhesion. We hypothesize that, utilizing the adhesive properties of hPDA, the graft will anchor securely at the defect site while promoting the recruitment of endogenous stem/progenitor cells, resulting in biomechanically functional cartilage repair. This approach represents a potentially transformative strategy for cartilage repair, offering significant advantages for both patients and clinicians. |