University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel approach to regenerate epiphyseal growth plate tissue following injury. Using biomaterials consisting of a hydrogel carrier loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), microparticles, key cytokines and growth factors, it is possible to regenerate cartilage tissue in a controlled manner matching the unique stratified cellular architecture of native tissue. This approach could offer clinicians new treatment options for pediatric patients following growth plate damage, substantially improving their long-term outcomes including improved quality of life.
Biomaterials consisting of hydrogels loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), microparticles, key cytokines and growth factors have been developed. These components can be injected into small defects or applied to larger defects using a hydrogel-infused scaffold to promote growth plate regeneration in pediatric patients to prevent life-long limb deformities or limb length discrepancy.
Description
The epiphyseal or growth plate is the cartilaginous structure at the end of long bones and is key to skeletal growth in children. However, damage to the growth plate due to injury, sarcoma resection, or disease, can result in lifelong disabilities as a result of bone deformity or limb length discrepancy. Fractures which traverse the epiphyseal plate can result in boney tethers that bridge bone ends, impacting lower limbs, often requiring painful and costly corrective surgery and an increased risk of osteoarthritis. These events severely impact quality of life during key formative years into adulthood. This patient population desperately needs new treatment options, and this novel approach could provide new solutions for this current unmet clinical need.
Applications
- Epiphyseal growth plate damage
- Prevention of long bone deformities
- Arthritis
Advantages
Currently, no regenerative treatment exists to repair physeal defects and restore growth. Previous efforts have failed likely due to an inability to replicate the unique architecture of the epiphyseal plate, where chondrocytes (cartilage cells) are spatially stratified in zones of distinct differentiation states. To overcome this issue, any regenerative solution must control MSC differentiation to chondrocytes without the development of bone or other undesirable tissue.
These novel biomaterials contain key elements to promote MSC differentiation and growth in a controlled manner. Consisting of a hydrogel carrying MSCs, chondrogenic and immunomodulatory cytokines, and microparticles to control release of growth factors, these biomaterials can guide cellular architecture formation to match that of native tissue. This promotion of chondrogenesis without osteogenesis is novel and can be used to repair defects.
Invention Readiness
Hydrogels containing gelatine, poly(ethylene glycol) and heparin were combined with MSCs and microparticles containing key physeal morphogens and assembled into scaffolds. In vivo studies confirmed these hydrogel compositions can regulate chondrogenesis by MSCs while inhibiting direct osteogenesis hypertrophy, and mineral deposition.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230241293A1
