Abstract
Cartilage injury is extremely common and leads to joint dysfunction. Existing joint prostheses do not remodel with host joint tissue. However, developing large-scale biomimetic anisotropic constructs mimicking native cartilage with structural integrity is challenging. In the present study, we describe anisotropic cartilage regeneration by three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting dual-factor releasing and gradient-structured constructs. Dual-factor releasing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-laden hydrogels were used for anisotropic chondrogenic differentiation. Together with physically gradient synthetic biodegradable polymers that impart mechanical strength, the 3D bioprinted anisotropic cartilage constructs demonstrated whole-layer integrity, lubrication of superficial layers, and nutrient supply in deep layers. Evaluation of the cartilage tissue in vitro and in vivo showed tissue maturation and organization that may be sufficient for translation to patients. In conclusion, one-step 3D bioprinted dual-factor releasing and gradient-structured constructs were generated for anisotropic cartilage regeneration, integrating the feasibility of MSC- and 3D bioprinting-based therapy for injured or degenerative joints.
Highlights
Articular cartilage is an elastic connective tissue in the joint [1]
We chose to test the combination of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and transforming growth factor– 3 (TGF 3) in the cartilage construct in an established knee
Adv. 2020; 6 : eaay1422 9 September 2020 cartilage defect model given its potential generalizability in the regeneration of complex, inhomogeneous joint tissues
Summary
Articular cartilage is an elastic connective tissue in the joint [1]. Cartilage injury is extremely common, yet cartilage has limited self-healing capacity because of its low cellularity and avascular nature. These data indicate that the one-step 3D bioprinted dual-factor releasing and gradient-structurally optimized cartilage scaffold preserved cell viability during the printing process and provided a favorable microenvironment for BMSC proliferation, spreading, and condensation for differentiation into chondrocytes in vitro.
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