Applications of tailored polysaccharides in orthopedics

Abstract Naturally occurring polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides are being utilized for the regeneration of tissue, having the potential of biological recognition that promotes cell growth. Because of their indigenous natural properties, high growth factor retention ability, and porous nature, sulfated polysaccharide-based scaffolds provide tremendous potential for several applications in tissue engineering. Specifically, they are suitable for orthopedic tissue engineering as they imitate the essential properties of tissues such as bone and cartilage. The world population is continually aging, whereby creating a large proportion of older people. Besides, the expanding aged population increases the incidence of orthopedic diseases, which is the second-largest contributor to disability globally. Orthopedic conditions encompass several complications, including osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis, tendinopathies, etc. On speculation, half of the global population aged 65 or above often have OA, which is a chronic joint disease and prime factor for the pain and disability in the elderly. The use of biodegradable tailored polysaccharide-based biomaterials facilitates cell and tissue growth and repair in an integrated way by providing structural support and biological containment for it. The tailored polysaccharide such as methacrylate heparin microparticles, chondroitin sulfate-polyethylene glycol adhesive hydrogel, chondroitin sulfate-poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres, κ-carrageenan hydrogels, etc., have been used in orthopedics as well as in tissue engineering. Furthermore, a variety of nanocomposites made from tailored polysaccharides have been explored and maneuvered in tissue engineering/orthopedic applications in the recent years. Moreover, in the field of bone tissue engineering, these tailored polysaccharide scaffold matrix nanocomposites are efficient for tissue generation. All-encompassing, current findings propound the substantial application of tailored polysaccharides to prevent and mitigate various orthopedic diseases.