Investigation of silicon oxide nanoparticle-enhanced self-healing hydrogel for cartilage repair and regeneration in rabbit earlobe models

This study developed an alginate, gelatine and chondroitin sulphate hydrogel incorporating silicon oxide nanoparticles to assess hydrogel morphology, cell proliferation and viability. The effectiveness of these hydrogels for cartilage repair was evaluated <i>in vivo</i> using male albino rabbits, divided into three groups: a control group without hydrogels, an observer group with hydrogels lacking nanoparticles and a treatment group with nanoparticle-enhanced hydrogels for post-injury repair. At 15, 30 and 60 days post-surgery, the rabbits were humanely euthanized and excised tissue samples were fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological analysis, then processed and embedded in paraffin for microscopic evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software with ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Results indicated that the hydrogels supported cell viability and encouraged differentiation into chondrocyte-like phenotypes. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the hydrogels' porosity and showed significant differences in cell survival rates compared to the control group, underscoring the potential of hydrogels in cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative repair strategies.