This article deals with polymer hydrogels developed for biomedical engineering applications, especially cartilage and osteochondral interface regeneration. The hydrogels were reinforced by a strong fibers of an epoxy-amine, createdin a matrix using three dimensional printing. A resultant gel was made in the fiber matrix, and physical properties tested to compare to that of natural cartilage. With this approached, modulus values for the gel did meet the values for natural cartilage, which is a very markedly important factor, as many unreinforced hydrogels can not meet these standards.
I originally read the article from a different source, which required a membership and I only have the original paper in a pdf form, which I cannot figure out how to add here, but if you wish to read it please contact me and I will get it to you. Below is a link to a more concise overview. The article I read also went into some very interesting physiological mechanisms that can be accomplished by varying the chemistry of the gel, including improved cartilage regeneration.
This is very interesting to me as I am currently doing research regarding regeneration of the osteochondral interface, and see the need for a real solution for the many many thousands of individuals that suffer joint damage and arthritic symptoms.
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=5778724
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