Heparin-conjugated scaffolds with pore structure of inverted colloidal crystals for cartilage regeneration

▶ Hexagonal latticed colloids are produced by floating self-assembly of microspheres in ethylene glycol. ▶ Heparinized inverted colloidal crystal (ICC) scaffolds enhance the quantity of bovine knee chondrocytes, glycosaminoglycans, and collagen. ▶ An increase in the weight percentage of heparin in the ICC scaffolds promotes chondrogenesis. ▶ The differences in the cartilaginous components between the peripheral and core regions in the ICC constructs are minor.