This study explores the use of an injectable silk fibroin peptide nanofiber hydrogel composite scaffold for cartilage regeneration. The researchers developed a self-assembled peptide nanofiber hydrogel (LKP) that mimics the function of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a crucial regulator of cartilage regeneration. LKP hydrogels were found to be biocompatible and effective in promoting cartilage formation in vitro. However, they had poor mechanical properties and were prone to fragmentation. To address these issues, the researchers created injectable hydrogel composite scaffolds (SF-GMA/LKP) by combining LKP with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-modified silk fibroin (SF). These composite scaffolds were designed to instantly fill cartilage defects and prolong the action of LKP through the interaction between LKP and SF-GMA. The SF-GMA/LKP10 and SF-GMA/LKP20 scaffolds showed the best performance in promoting neocartilage and subchondral bone reconstruction. The study demonstrates that the SF-GMA/LKP composite hydrogel scaffold can effectively repair cartilage defects, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for high-quality cartilage regeneration.This study explores the use of an injectable silk fibroin peptide nanofiber hydrogel composite scaffold for cartilage regeneration. The researchers developed a self-assembled peptide nanofiber hydrogel (LKP) that mimics the function of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a crucial regulator of cartilage regeneration. LKP hydrogels were found to be biocompatible and effective in promoting cartilage formation in vitro. However, they had poor mechanical properties and were prone to fragmentation. To address these issues, the researchers created injectable hydrogel composite scaffolds (SF-GMA/LKP) by combining LKP with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-modified silk fibroin (SF). These composite scaffolds were designed to instantly fill cartilage defects and prolong the action of LKP through the interaction between LKP and SF-GMA. The SF-GMA/LKP10 and SF-GMA/LKP20 scaffolds showed the best performance in promoting neocartilage and subchondral bone reconstruction. The study demonstrates that the SF-GMA/LKP composite hydrogel scaffold can effectively repair cartilage defects, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for high-quality cartilage regeneration.