ABSTRACT
The rationale for using scaffolds for regenerating the damaged articular surface is to have a temporary three-dimensional structure of biodegradable polymers for the growth of living cells and subsequent tissue formation. The ideal scaffold should mimic the biology, architecture, and structural properties of the native tissue in order to facilitate cell infiltration, attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Other key properties include biocompatibility and biodegradability through safe biochemical pathways at suitable time intervals to support the first phases of tissue formation and gradually be replaced by the regenerating tissue [1]. From a clinical perspective, the ideal graft should be an off-the-shelf product, which is able to avoid the practical, economic, and regulatory limitations related to the use of cells.
