Gellan Gum-based Hydrogels for Osteochondral Repair

Gellan gum (GG) is a widely explored natural polysaccharide that has been gaining attention in tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine field, and more recently in osteochondral TE approaches. Taking advantage of its inherent features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, similarity with the extracellular matrix and easy functionalization, GG-based hydrogels have been studied for their potential for cartilage and bone tissue regeneration. Several preclinical studies describe the successful outcome of GG in cartilage tissue engineering. By its turn, GG-composites have also been proposed in several strategies to guide bone formation. The big challenge in osteochondral TE approaches is still to achieve simultaneously cartilage and bone regeneration through a unique integrated bifunctional construct. The potential of GG to be used as polymeric support to reach both bone and cartilage regeneration has been demonstrated. This chapter provides an overview of GG properties and the functionalization strategies employed to tailor its behavior to a particular application. The use of GG in soft and hard tissues regeneration approaches, as well in osteochondral integrated TE strategies is also revised.