In situ cross-linking hydrogels for regeneration of cartilage

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Steffen Fischer; Professor Dr. Thomas Groth; Professor Dr. Karsten Mäder
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials ; Biomaterials
• Term: from 2015 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 283823407

In situ cross-linking hydrogels are useful for minimal invasive treatment of tissue defects and also for controlled release of drugs. The proposal is focused on the hypothesis that semisynthetic sulfated and oxidized polysaccharides based on cellulose and chitosan can be used for generation of hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties, degradation behavior, kinetic of release of growth factor TGF-beta 3 and resulting chondrogenic activity towards mesenchymal stem cells to be applicable for regeneration of cartilage. Beside synthesis of cellulose and chitosan derivatives, characterization of mechanical degradation properties and in vitro studies on bioactivity, also spectroscopic and imaging methods shall be used to analyze mass transfer inside hydrogels, mechanical properties and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo with a mouse model.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants