Fig. 1
From: Translational applications of photopolymerizable hydrogels for cartilage repair
Application of photopolymerizable hydrogel systems for translational cartilage repair. (a) Principle of providing a photopolymerizable hydrogel carrying cells (regenerative cells, chondrocytes) and/or specific growth factors or gene vectors as controlled delivery platforms to sites of articular cartilage damage (hydrogel gelation can be performed ex vivo or in situ following radiation with ultraviolet - UV - or visible light - VL). (b) Intra-operative administration of a photopolymerizable hydrogel accompanied with microfracture into a focal full-thickness chondral defect allowing for in situ gelation via UV light polymerization