Abstract: Magneto-responsive properties are traditionally imparted to scaffold systems via integration of iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), yet poor understanding of long-term MNP toxicity presents a significant translational challenge. Given the demonstrated iron-binding capacity of silk fibroin (SF), passive chelation of ferric iron ions is explored herein as an alternative, MNP-free approach for magnetic functionalization of silk fibroin (SF)-based biomaterials. SF microfibers treated with aqueous ferric chloride (FeCl3) exhibit significantly increased iron content relative to the nascent protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are enzymatically decellularized cells, and methods of producing said cells, that can be used in a scaffold. The scaffolds featured herein are biocompatible and can comprise decellularized cells that have been modified to express a bioactive agent or molecule.

Abstract: Provided herein are enzymatically decellularized cells, and methods of producing said cells, that can be used in a scaffold. The scaffolds featured herein are biocompatible and can comprise decellularized cells that have been modified to express a bioactive agent or molecule.

Abstract: Provided herein are enzymatically decellularized cells, and methods of producing said cells, that can be used in a scaffold. The scaffolds featured herein are biocompatible and can comprise decellularized cells that have been modified to express a bioactive agent or molecule.

Abstract: A new class of molecules, C1—OH tributanoylated hexosamines, including, for example, GalNAc, GlcNAc and ManNAc, are demonstrated to increase cartilage-like tissue accumulation by IL-1?-stimulated chondrocytes. Furthermore, all three molecules reduced NFKB1 and I?B? driven gene expression, consistent with NF?B inhibitory properties of these analogs. GalNAc-a exposure produced the greatest ECM accumulation by IL-1?-stimulated chondrocytes. However, GalNAc-a exposure produced an opposite effect on MSC exposure, where a decrease in ECM accumulation was observed. These findings are in support of the function of NF?B signaling during limb development and growth plate chondrogenesis. The present invention shows the capability of this new class of hexosamine analogs as disease-modifying agents for treating cartilage damage.

Abstract: A new class of molecules, C1—OH tributanoylated hexosamines, including, for example, GalNAc, GlcNAc and ManNAc, are demonstrated to increase cartilage-like tissue accumulation by IL-1?-stimulated chondrocytes. Furthermore, all three molecules reduced NFKB1 and I?B? driven gene expression, consistent with NF?B inhibitory properties of these analogs. GalNAc-a exposure produced the greatest ECM accumulation by IL-I?-stimulated chondrocytes. However, GalNAc-a exposure produced an opposite effect on MSC exposure, where a decrease in ECM accumulation was observed. These findings are in support of the function of NF?B signaling during limb development and growth plate chondrogenesis. The present invention shows the capability of this new class of hexosamine analogs as disease-modifying agents for treating cartilage damage.

Abstract: Materials and methods for local delivery of a glucosamine are provided to facilitate bone and cartilage growth.