Dopamine-functionalized bioinspired pre-chondrogenic hydrogel for cell-free cartilage regeneration.

Summary: Our joints have a hard time healing themselves when the smooth padding called cartilage gets damaged. To fix this, scientists made a special, jelly-like material (a hydrogel) that acts just like natural cartilage. This gel doesn't have any living cells in it. Instead, it uses a chemical called dopamine to call the body's own healing stem cells to the injured spot. It also slowly releases a special medicine to turn those stem cells into brand-new cartilage. Tests showed this smart gel helps heal deep joint injuries much faster and better than before!