Bio-printed, bio-functionalized PLGA-KGN scaffolds as an augmentation to microfracture

Microfracture is a commonly performed surgical procedure that aims to regenerate damaged cartilage in patients with focal cartilage lesions. Though fairly successful, microfracture is limited by the produced fibrocartilage, which is mechanically inferior and less durable than normal hyaline cartilage. The proposed augmentation to microfracture aims to improve its clinical outcomes by introducing a bio -printed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold functionalized with kartogenin (KGN), a small bioactive molecule known to induce mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into hyaline cartilage. The scaffold’s release characteristics were evaluated over 40 days by HPLC, which confirmed sustained release of KGN from the scaffold. Tensile testing results indicate that PLGA functionalization with KGN has no significant impact on PLGA’s elastic modulus or tensile strength, but it does significantly increase the polymer’s overall toughness. Overall, this method of scaffold fabrication and functionalization is a very viable option for delivering KGN to cartilage defect sites immediately after microfracture.