Patterned Mussel‐Inspired Freestanding Membranes as Efficient Delivery Device of Therapeutic Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair

Articular cartilage injuries are currently one of the world's top health concerns owing to its limited capacity self-renewal, thus raising economic burden in healthcare system. Cell implantation strategies resorting a suitable delivery platform hold great promising approach increase cell retention be further supplied sufficient amount defects. So far, macromolecular engineering toolboxes for designing cell-carrier devices with on-demand efficiency rarely reported. Herein, anisotropically patterned mussel-inspired membranes, comprising oppositely charged marine-origin biopolymers (e.g., chitosan and alginate) combined multilayered fashion catechol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (DOPA-HA), through electrostatically driven layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach, developed. The seamless combination nanotopography catechol molecular cues single significantly augments ASC/TERT1 adhesion at DOPA-HA membrane surface. These highest density membranes applied onto human chondral discs ex vivo models evaluate their capability act as vehicles. Results show successful migration surface, wherein they spread inhabit both superficial empty lacunae furrows. Therefore, present study supplies an important strategy vehicles on cell-based therapies.