Characterization of Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications

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Articular cartilage, a tissue that is particularly known for its self-repairing deficiency, is a major challenge in regenerative medicine. Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) is a multifunctional and biocompatible hydrogel, which has attracted much attention as a potential scaffold material for cartilage tissue engineering. This paper gives a detailed characterization of GelMA hydrogels with regard to the effect of polymer concentration on their physicochemical and biological properties. We performed an in-depth analysis of GelMA at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% (w/v) and their mechanical strength, swelling kinetics, degradation rates and porous architecture. Additionally, we have synthesized and critically reviewed optimal parameters for 3D bio-printing of constructs based on GelMA for cartilage regeneration. Our results show that the mechanical properties are significantly improved with an increase in the concentration of GelMA from 5% to 15%, and the compressive modulus has been increased from 3.3 +- 0.5 kPa to 30.0 +- 4.0 kPa. This enhancement, however, comes with a decrease in porosity, swelling ratio and degradation rate. While no one GelMA formulation reproduced the mechanical properties of native articular cartilage, a 10% (w/v) concentration of GelMA, with optimized 3D bioprinting parameters, appears to be a wellbalanced formulation. It provides a good compromise between mechanical stability and microenvironment that allows the viability, proliferation, and chondrogenesis of cells. This critical review highlights the opportunities of the GelMA as a highly tunable and promising platform in which effective and clinically relevant cartilage repair and regeneration strategies can be developed.

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