Once damaged, articular cartilage is difficult to repair due to its lack of blood supply. Over time, this may lead to joint degeneration and impaired quality of life. To address this challenge, YJ Biotechnology has developed a novel approach that combines exosomes with intelligent biomaterial scaffolds (cryogels)—offering a promising breakthrough for cartilage regeneration.
Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, containing proteins, RNA, and growth factors. They play a crucial role in cell communication and tissue repair. Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been shown to promote cell growth and chondrocyte differentiation, making them a powerful tool in regenerative therapy.
Our cryogels are engineered from gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds feature high water content and interconnected pores, creating a favorable environment for cell growth and nutrient exchange.
In our research:
Cryogels with 0.3% hyaluronic acid showed optimal structure and mechanical strength.
When combined with exosomes, these scaffolds significantly enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and ECM synthesis.
In a rabbit cartilage defect model, we found that:
Both cryogels and exosomes individually supported cartilage repair.
However, exosome-seeded cryogels delivered the best results—showing superior tissue regeneration and layered chondrocyte alignment resembling normal cartilage.
These findings demonstrate the clinical potential of exosome-seeded ECM-based cryogels, developed by YJ Biotechnology, as a next-generation treatment for cartilage injury and joint disorders.
Keywords: Exosome therapy, regenerative medicine, exosome scaffold, cartilage repair, ECM regeneration, cryogel biomaterials, joint regeneration, extracellular matrix
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