Biomimetic biphasic nanocomposite scaffold for osteochondral regeneration

Due to the disparity in composition and mechanical properties of the osteochondral interface, tissue engineering approaches to the regenration of the osteochondral site face unique challenges that are both biochemical and mechanical in nature. The current work has developed a novel biomimetic biphasic nanocomposite osteochondral scaffold integrating two biocompatible polymers each containing tissue-specific growth factor-encapsulated core-shell nanospheres. Specifically, a poly(caprolactone) based bone layer was successfully integrated with a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel cartilage layer. The current work also developed a novel nanosphere fabrication technique for efficient growth factor encapsulation and sustained delivery via wet co-axial electrospray. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were evaluated in our constructs and showed significantly improved hMSC adhesion and differentiation in vitro.