Abstract

In the present study, acellular cartilage matrix (ACM) was modified with poly-l-lysine/hyaluronic acid (PLL/HA) multilayers via detergent-enzyme chemical digestion and layer-by-layer self-assembly technology. This modified ACM was then loaded with Transforming Growth Factor Beta 3 (TGF-β3) and incorporated into a thermosensitive hydrogel (TH) to create a HA/PLL-ACM/TH composite scaffold with sustained-release function. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this novel composite scaffold in promoting chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and facilitating osteochondral defect repair.