Abstract: Artificial cartilage materials for repair and replacement of cartilage, such as load-bearing and articular cartilage. The artificial cartilage materials can include a hydrogel with an internal polymer support network that impart the hydrogel mechanical properties similar to that of natural cartilage. In some examples, the hydrogels include a cross-linked cellulose network and a double network of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylamide-methyl propyl sulfonic acid (PAMPS) polymers. The hydrogels may include specific formulations of different polymers to impart mechanical properties that are within a cartilage equivalent range. The artificial cartilage materials may include a porous base that is bonded to the hydrogel for interfacing with surrounding tissues and promoting ingrowth of bone and/or cartilage. Thus, the materials may be well suited for forming a synthetic graft, such as an osteochondral graft, for implantation into a patient's body.

Abstract: Artificial cartilage materials for repair and replacement of cartilage (e.g., load-bearing, articular cartilage). The artificial cartilage materials described herein include triple-network hydrogels including a cross-linked fiber network (e.g., a bacterial cellulose nanofiber network) and a double-network hydrogel (e.g., a double-network hydrogel including polfacrylamide-methyl propyl sulfonic acid). The artificial cartilage may be coated onto or formed into an implant (e.g., plug). The artificial cartilage may include a surface macroporosity, e.g., 0.1-300 micrometers diameter. Also described herein are methods of forming and methods of using the triple-network hydrogel artificial cartilage materials.