3D Bioplotter Research Papers

Meniscal injury, a prevalent and challenging medical condition, is characterized by poor self-healing potential and a complex microenvironment. Tissue engineering scaffolds, particularly those made of silk fibroin (SF)/hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) and encapsulating Mg2+, are promising options for meniscal repair. However, the inflammatory response following implantation is a significant concern. In this study, we prepared a composite SF/HAMA-Mg hydrogel scaffold, evaluated its physical and chemical properties, and detected its fibrochondrogenic differentiation effect in vitro and the healing effect in a rabbit meniscus defect model in vivo. Our results showed that the scaffold differentiates pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages…

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has evolved to incorporate controlled delivery systems to guide the regeneration of complex tissues, with limited clinical translation. The challenges include the limited precision in spatiotemporal delivery and poorly understood in vivo scaffold degradation rates. Here, we report auspicious preclinical outcomes in the functional regeneration of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs of mini-pigs. TMJ disc has been an extremely challenging target for regenerative engineering given the uniquely heterogeneous matrix distribution and region-variant anisotropic orientation. We optimally implemented advanced 3D printing technologies with micro-precise spatiotemporal delivery to build anatomically correct, bioactive scaffolds with native-like regionally variant microstructure and mechanical…

Three-dimensional (3D) structures are actually the state-of-the-art technique to create porous scaffolds for tissue engineering. Since regeneration in cartilage tissue is limited due to intrinsic cellular properties this study aims to develop and characterize three-dimensional porous scaffolds of poly (L-co-D, L lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate), PLDLA-TMC, obtained by 3D fiber deposition technique. The PLDLA-TMC terpolymer scaffolds (70:30), were obtained and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, compression mechanical testing and study on in vitro degradation, which showed its amorphous characteristics, cylindrical geometry, and interconnected pores. The in vitro degradation study showed significant loss of…

The healing of meniscus injuries poses a significant challenge, as prolonged failure to heal can lead to osteoarthritis, which presents a therapeutic dilemma in the field of sports medicine. Decellularized extracellular matrix (MdECM) derived from natural meniscus, and the incorporated growth factors have been used for potential fibrochondrocyte induction and meniscus regeneration. However, homogeneous MdECM is difficult to achieve region-specific biomimetic microenvironment for tissue regeneration. In this study, we successfully prepared a region-specific MdECM, which were then mixed with an ultraviolet responsible Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA)/hyaluronic acid Methacryloy (HAMA) hydrogel incorporated with bioactive factors, faciliatated a functional region-specific bioink. The 3D…

Meniscus deficiency, the most common and refractory disease in human knee joints, often progresses to osteoarthritis (OA) due to abnormal biomechanical distribution and articular cartilage abrasion. However, due to its anisotropic spatial architecture, complex biomechanical microenvironment, and limited vascularity, meniscus repair remains a challenge for clinicians and researchers worldwide. In this study, we developed a 3D printing-based biomimetic and composite tissue-engineered meniscus scaffold consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL)/silk fibroin (SF) with extraordinary biomechanical properties and biocompatibility. We hypothesized that the meticulously tailored composite scaffold could enhance meniscus regeneration and cartilage protection. Methods: The physical property of the scaffold was characterized by…

The meniscus has critical functions in the knee joint kinematics and homeostasis. Injuries of the meniscus are frequent, and the lack of a functional meniscus between the femur and tibial plateau can cause articular cartilage degeneration leading to osteoarthritis development and progression. Regeneration of meniscus tissue has outstanding challenges to be addressed. In the current study, novel Entrapped in cage (EiC) scaffolds of 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) and porous silk fibroin were proposed for meniscus tissue engineering. As confirmed by micro-structural analysis the entrapment of silk fibroin was successful, and all scaffolds had excellent interconnectivity (≥99%). The EiC scaffolds had more…