Combining Piezoelectric Stimulation and Extracellular Vesicles for Cartilage Regeneration

Numerous patients experience articular cartilage defects (ACDs), which are characterized by progressive degradation and often lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Consequently, 44.7% of OA suffer from dyskinesia or disability. Current clinical drug treatments offer limited effectiveness in fully curing the disease. In this study, we propose a collaborative approach that combines physical biological cues promote regeneration. A biodegradable piezoelectric poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofiber scaffold facilitates situ, battery-free electrical stimulation under natural joint loading, while extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as communication mediators between cells cell proliferation, migration, secretion type II collagen. combined approach, EVs attached PLLA gradually released localized taken up chondrocytes. This process results organization collagen along fiber surface, ultimately forming lacunae facilitate residence new As an outcome, significant round defect (diameter: 3 mm depth: 1 mm) PLLA/EVs group (rat knee) was rapidly restored within six weeks. contrast, individual groups demonstrated considerably weaker regeneration capabilities. research suggests synergistic effect electromechanical EVs-based is crucial intervention method for treating OA.