Enhanced Retention of Synthetic Polyelectrolytes As Proteoglycan Replacements

Purpose (the aim of the study): Although proteoglycans are important in healthy cartilage, there are no existing methods to replace lost proteoglycans during OA progression. Current treatments, like chondroitin sulfate, have poor tissue retention and therefore do not confer therapeutic benefit. Here, we explored the use of a synthetic proteoglycan replacement to restore the function of proteoglycans in equine explants. We saw enhanced retention of the synthetic polyelectrolyte as compared to chondroitin sulfate and obtained diffusion constants through histology (SafO).