Chondroitin sulfate: An ideal biomaterial based scaffolds for cartilage regeneration and its therapeutic potential

Chondroitin sulfate is an anionic glycosaminoglycan derived from animal and marine sources, as well as synthesized in the human body and by microbes. It is characterized by its recurring sequential disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine. Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to evade the immune system, chondroitin sulfate enhances prolonged drug circulation and sustained release, making it an ideal polymer for various novel drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, films, and microcapsules. Particularly notable is its role in cartilage tissue engineering, where it has been effectively incorporated into scaffolds to support cartilage regeneration. This is crucial for treating chronic osteoarthritis by modulating inflammatory and catabolic factors, while simultaneously enhancing the production of anabolic factors. This review presents an overview of the extraction and biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate, its physicochemical properties, its significant applications in osteoarthritis management, and its cellular anabolic properties in the cartilage. Through detailed analysis of 3D porous nanofiber scaffolds performance in cartilage regeneration, the paper highlights the recent progress in the role of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage repair and its implications in improving treatment strategies for joint degeneration and injuries.