Fig. 6: Simulated clinical workflow for implantation of GelMA/HAMA hydrogels in a full thickness cartilage defect.

Representative stages of hydrogel injection: A bovine stifle joint, B creation of full thickness chondral defect (8 mm diameter) in the medial femoral condyle, C custom handheld UV-A curing device with flexible PTFE membrane through which precursor may be injected, D injection of GelMA/HAMA precursor (stained blue for visualization) using a syringe and needle where (i–iii) indicate progressive filling of defect through transparent PTFE film, E in situ photopolymerization of the F GelMA/HAMA hydrogel using 365 nm UV light exposure for 15 s.