Engineered Polysaccharide for Cartilage Regeneration
Cartilage loss is a common problem in arthritis. Polysaccharides are naturally occurring carbohydrates and have emerged as promising biomaterials for cartilage engineering. A January 2026 review published in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces describes promising research that suggests that polysaccharides could advance cartilage tissue engineering in clinical settings. Three-dimensional structures called polysaccharide scaffolds are accepted by the human body, are easily broken down and regulate inflammation. The scaffolds can be modified to repair and regenerate damaged tissues such as bone and cartilage. Challenges related to producing larger quantities, compatibility with humans, stability in human applications, and cost-effective production remain to be solved. Emerging trends include integration of three-dimensional bioprinting, nanomaterials and combination therapies to enhance polysaccharides for cartilage repair.
