Resumo

SILVA, Estela Fernandes e et al. Articular cartilage tissue engineering with emphasis in dentistry. RFO UPF [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.3, pp. 372-379. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: To review the literature regarding sources of cells, scaffolds, and morphogenic agents currently used to produce articular cartilage. In addition, to address the main challenges for the production of functional cartilage: mechanical and lubricant properties. Literature review: The articular cartilage is a highly specialized tissue that reduces joint friction and distributes forces related to high mechanical loads between bone ends. Thus, trauma and certain inflammatory diseases that affect the articular cartilage may severely compromise quality of life, causing pain and disability. In this context, tissue engineering is an emerging and multidisciplinary field, which three main components are responsive cells, scaffolds, and morphogenic agents. Final considerations: Current treatments for articular cartilage repair have major limitations. Accordingly, tissue engineering could overcome these limitations by producing in vitro cartilage substitutes. However, the triad components - stem cells, morphogenic agents, and scaffolds - need further improvement before clinical application. Moreover, one should consider the application of mechanical stimuli and surface properties to produce an articular cartilage with satisfactory characteristics for in vivo application.

Palavras-chave : Chondrocytes; Osteoarthritis; Regeneration; Tissue engineering; Stem cells.