Development of barium titanate nanoparticle composite scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Leena Palotie Hall, 101A
Topic of the dissertation
Development of barium titanate nanoparticle composite scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Hanna Karjalainen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology
Subject of study
Medical Physics and Technology
Opponent
Professor Elizabeth Tanner, Queen Mary, University of London
Custos
Professor Simo Saarakkala, University of Oulu
Advancing Articular Cartilage Repair with Smart Materials
Articular cartilage repair has remained challenging, and there are only a few experimental treatment options that can restore the functional, original cartilage tissue with long-term reported results. Therefore, novel solutions are needed, especially for young patients who require long-lasting solutions. M.Sc. (Tech.) Hanna Karjalainen developed smart materials for cartilage repair in her monograph thesis.
Articular cartilage tissue does not heal spontaneously, and untreated cartilage damage often leads to further complications. Novel tissue engineering methods have emerged as great tools for tissue repair. These methods combine cells, biomaterials and biological factors to repair damaged tissues. Piezoelectric materials can be used to form smart engineered materials, which can provide stimuli for the cells to improve the biological tissue repair process. By using biodegradable polymers, it is possible to reduce the number of surgical operations needed. This is why the use of biodegradable polymers in medicine is important.
Hanna Karjalainen studied barium titanate nanoparticles for cartilage repair in her doctoral thesis. Specifically, she studied how nanoparticles affect the cells and the structure of the scaffold. “Articular cartilage is naturally piezoelectric due to collagen fibers. Thus, piezoelectric nanoparticles can provide the needed stimulus for the cells in engineered materials and enhance cell behaviour and repair process.“ Karjalainen explains.
In her doctoral research, Karjalainen confirmed that barium titanate nanoparticles were biocompatible with cartilage cells, even with the highest concentration studied. The polymeric coating improved nanoparticle suspension but did not influence cell viability. When nanoparticles were combined with a biodegradable polymer, they formed a porous structure. These nanoengineered scaffolds provided an optimal structure for cell migration with all studied nanoparticle content. This monograph thesis lays the groundwork for future research in the utilization of piezoelectric nanomaterials in human articular cartilage tissue engineering by using adult cartilage cells.
Articular cartilage tissue does not heal spontaneously, and untreated cartilage damage often leads to further complications. Novel tissue engineering methods have emerged as great tools for tissue repair. These methods combine cells, biomaterials and biological factors to repair damaged tissues. Piezoelectric materials can be used to form smart engineered materials, which can provide stimuli for the cells to improve the biological tissue repair process. By using biodegradable polymers, it is possible to reduce the number of surgical operations needed. This is why the use of biodegradable polymers in medicine is important.
Hanna Karjalainen studied barium titanate nanoparticles for cartilage repair in her doctoral thesis. Specifically, she studied how nanoparticles affect the cells and the structure of the scaffold. “Articular cartilage is naturally piezoelectric due to collagen fibers. Thus, piezoelectric nanoparticles can provide the needed stimulus for the cells in engineered materials and enhance cell behaviour and repair process.“ Karjalainen explains.
In her doctoral research, Karjalainen confirmed that barium titanate nanoparticles were biocompatible with cartilage cells, even with the highest concentration studied. The polymeric coating improved nanoparticle suspension but did not influence cell viability. When nanoparticles were combined with a biodegradable polymer, they formed a porous structure. These nanoengineered scaffolds provided an optimal structure for cell migration with all studied nanoparticle content. This monograph thesis lays the groundwork for future research in the utilization of piezoelectric nanomaterials in human articular cartilage tissue engineering by using adult cartilage cells.
Last updated: 13.3.2025