@article {18392,
	title = {Sr-doping calcium phosphates-based composite scaffolds designed for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering},
	booktitle = {Term Stem Conference: Nanotechnology as a Tool for Improving Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine},
	year = {2014},
	month = {2014-10-23 00:00:00},
	address = {Porto, Portugal},
	abstract = {<p>Osteochondral (OC) tissue engineering have the potential of producing sufficient numbers of grafts, tailor-made mechanical properties and topology of the graft essential for the repair/regeneration of OC defects. OC defects are lesions of the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone often derived from trauma related injuries or osteoarthritis, causing joint pain and deformity, impaired function, limited range of motion and stiffness. The overlying cartilage, which is nourished by synovial fluid, remains intact to variable degrees. As the necrotic bone is resorbed, the overlying cartilage loses its support. Without its cartilage cover, the bony fragment may become dislodged into the joint. The main purpose for OC tissue engineering is to recreate a biomimetic scaffold combining different materials with cell-recognition sites of naturally derived materials. In addition, looking to the architectures of bone and cartilage, specific structured scaffolds are demanding for OC defect treatment. In fact, bone and cartilage have complete different properties. Thus, an OC scaffold ought to consist of a cartilaginous layer (corresponding to the cartilage) and an underlying osseous layer (corresponding to subchondral bone), for regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone, involving different combinations of materials, morphologies and properties in both parts of the scaffolds. Composites involving biopolymeric matrices and bioresorbable fillers have been seen as a promising approach for bone/cartilage repair and regeneration. Major requirements for such materials are biodegradability, sufficient mechanical strength, and promote osseointegration and formation of ligamentous tissue. The use of biopolymers, as silk and chitosan, has great interest owing their similarities with the extracellular matrix, chemical versatility, and good biological performance without toxicity or immunological reactions. Silk presents excellent biocompatibility, unique mechanical properties, and processability. Chitosan has excellent properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, ability for cell ingrowth, and intrinsic antibacterial nature.\&nbsp; On the other hand calcium phosphates are generally used as bioresorbable fillers due to their favourable osteoconductivity, resorbability and biocompatibility. Benefits are also expected from doping calcium phosphates with strontium, known to improve cell-material interactions and the strengthening of the mechanical properties of the biomimetic materials. Furthermore, strontium is considered as a bone-seeking element that presents a beneficial effect on bone growth providing beneficial effects in patients with osteoporosis. The objective of the present study is to develop composite scaffolds made of silk or chitosan and Sr-doping calcium phosphates for the simultaneous repair and regeneration of bone and cartilage tissues, as well as their interface.</p>},
	keywords = {composites, scaffolds, strontium-doped calcium phosphates, Tissue engineering},
	author = {Pina, S. and Oliveira, J. M. and Reis, R. L.}
}
