Compositions and implants for articular cartilage repair or regeneration are described. The compositions are hydrogel-based compositions that can incorporate signaling molecules for cartilage repair. The compositions include microcapsules having predetermined erosion profiles that are loaded with nanogels having predetermined sustained release profiles for signaling molecules conjugated to the nanogels. A plurality of compositions, each carrying different signaling molecules, can be layered to form a multi-layered implant, with each layer sequentially releasing the encapsulated signaling molecules over a predetermined period of time. The compositions can carry additional components to encourage tissue generation such as stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
