4.1.2. Chitosan in cartilage tissue engineering
The choice of biomaterial is very critical for the success
of tissue engineering approaches, especially in cartilage
repair [232]. The ideal cell-carrier substance should mimic
the natural environment in the articular cartilage matrix.
The cartilage-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components
such as type II collagen and GAGs, play a critical
role in regulating expression of the chondrocytic phenotype
and in supporting chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo
[233,234].
Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are especially important
for fabricating articular cartilage. Ideal scaffolds are
designed to be biocompatible, bioabsorbable and exhibit
predictable porosity and degradation rate. They provide
a framework that facilitates new tissue in growth; moreover
and mechanical characteristics that match those of the