Development of alternative gel formulation for repairing cartilage tissue damage

For a long time, scientists have been working on new treatments for tissue loss or degeneration of cartilage, which has limited ability to repair and regenerate synovial joints. Joint cartilage is a multiphase tissue and has limited healing properties. Its structure is formed by type II collagens, which are predominantly recognized as chondrocytes and intercellular networks. The joint cartilage feeds on synovial fluid. Therefore, since blood derived growth factors do not reach the tissue, repair or reconstruction takes place within the tissue. The layers of the joint cartilage show different structural and functional properties. The structure of these layers, including the subchondral bone, must be taken into account when repairing. In this study, it is aimed to develop an injectable in situ gel formulation for cartilage tissue damage, which contains jellyfish collagen which is known to be effective in cell regeneration. The physical characteristics of prepared in situ gel, such as gelling and swelling capacity, physical appearance, pH value and rheological behavior were examined. The in vitro emission profile of the collagen contained in the formulation and its activities on healthy L929 mouse fibroblast cells have been determined. In addition, in case of full-coat damage to the joint area, kitosan scaffolding, where the gel can be placed in that area and the gel can be absorbed, has been analyzed from these discs to ensure that the gel stays in the damaged area for longer. The gel system, which can be applied to both types of defects, has been developed in the treatment of cartilage tissue damage.