Bio-Inspired Polymer Composites for Artificial Cartilage Replacement

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
By

Ashvini V. Jadhav,

Abhay Ghatage,

Trupti Durgawale,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Krishna Institute of Science and Technology, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The rising cases of osteoarthritis, traumatic injuries, and degenerative joint diseases are also putting pressure on the new material that is durable, biocompatible and mechanically resilient to act as artificial cartilage. The normal articular cartilage is composed of collagen fibers, protein glycids and water in the interstitium. These elements provide it with excellent load bearing quality, lubrication and wear resistance. Due to the limited self-repair capacity of cartilage and the challenge in recreating the full thickness, the traditional clinical procedures cannot succeed. In order to come out of these drawbacks, researchers are considering a new generation of cartilage imperfect replacement in bio-inspired polymer composites. Mimicking the hierarchical method, hydration mechanism, and nanoscale strength, which are present in biology, these composites can offer enhanced wear resistance, elasticity, energy dissipation and durability upon normal physiological loading. This review takes a critical approach and discusses the current advances in bio-inspired polymer-based composites that can be used to substitute artificial cartilage. It includes the design concepts of bio-inspiration with emphasis on structural mimicry, surface functionalization and molecular synergy. The polymers that are discussed include the hydrogel polymers, elastomers, polyurethane composites and nanofiller reinforced systems mentioned in terms of biocompatibility, mechanical strength, lubrication and clinic viability. The listed approaches to the fabrication, such as 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, and freeze-casting, which enable such control of porosity, anisotropy, and mechanical tuning, are also evaluated within the review. Lastly, the review identifies several critical issues like durability in the long-run, tissue integration, immune responses, and indicates future opportunities of smart composites that have the capability of self-lubricating, sensing mechanical forces, and stimulating regeneration.

Keywords: Bio -inspired polymers; Polymer composite; artificial cartilage; hydrogel; Nanocomposites; Biomimetic system; tissue design; Cartilage replacement; Load bearing polymers; lubricating polymers.

How to cite this article: Ashvini V. Jadhav, Abhay Ghatage, Trupti Durgawale. Bio-Inspired Polymer Composites for Artificial Cartilage Replacement. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL: Ashvini V. Jadhav, Abhay Ghatage, Trupti Durgawale. Bio-Inspired Polymer Composites for Artificial Cartilage Replacement. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=254988

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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
04
Received 13/07/2026
Accepted 02/09/2026
Published 08/09/2026
Publication Time 57 Days

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