Abstract
Biohybrid polyethylene (PE) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were used to regenerate cartilage and bone tissues for repair of knee joint defects. Biohybrid polyethylene was synthesized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization methods with polyethylene-containing macromonomer and arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD), laminin-derived peptide A5G81 (AGQWHRVSVRWG), or hyaluronic acid-containing macromonomer. The resultant brush copolymers were formulated with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene to create formulations for testing with human chondrocyte assays. PE-RGD formulation was determined to be the most effective in causing statistically significant chondrocyte proliferation consistently. PCL-RGD was used to create the stem of the plug for osteogenesis. The materials were 3D printed using dual nozzle fused filament fabrication method to create a biphasic interlocking plug for in vivo testing of cartilage and bone regeneration in porcine knee joint defect models. The studies provide a guide for fabrication of cartilage repair implants using biohybrid polymers.