Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Bioprinted Human Cartilage Powder Combined with Micronized Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues for the Repair of Osteochondral Defects in Beagle Dogs.

Jina Ryu,Eiji Takahashi,Bomi Nam,Martin Magneli,Minju Kim,Mats Brittberg,Yhan Colon Iban,Bharti Khurana,Jinyeong Chae,Charles R Bragdon

doi:10.3390/ijms23052743

Abstract

Cartilage lesions are difficult to repair due to low vascular distribution and may progress into osteoarthritis. Despite numerous attempts in the past, there is no proven method to regenerate hyaline cartilage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability to use a 3D printed biomatrix to repair a critical size femoral chondral defect using a canine weight-bearing model. The biomatrix was comprised of human costal-derived cartilage powder, micronized adipose tissue, and fibrin glue. Bilateral femoral condyle defects were treated on 12 mature beagles staged 12 weeks apart. Four groups, one control and three experimental, were used. Animals were euthanized at 32 weeks to collect samples. Significant differences between control and experimental groups were found in both regeneration pattern and tissue composition. In results, we observed that the experimental group with the treatment with cartilage powder and adipose tissue alleviated the inflammatory response. Moreover, it was found that the MOCART score was higher, and cartilage repair was more organized than in the other groups, suggesting that a combination of cartilage powder and adipose tissue has the potential to repair cartilage with a similarity to normal cartilage. Microscopically, there was a well-defined cartilage-like structure in which the mid junction below the surface layer was surrounded by a matrix composed of collagen type I, II, and proteoglycans. MRI examination revealed significant reduction of the inflammation level and progression of a cartilage-like growth in the experimental group. This canine study suggests a promising new surgical treatment for cartilage lesions.

Highlights

IntroductionControl and Prevention (CDC), approximately 23% of US adults were diagnosed with arthritis during 2013–2015 [1]
The different biomaterial inks were printed by a 3D bioprinter (Figure 1B)
We investigated the efficacy of a grafted biomaterial on the repair of osteochondral lesions in knee articular cartilage tissues using a canine weight-bearing model

Summary

Introduction

Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 23% of US adults were diagnosed with arthritis during 2013–2015 [1] This represents 54.4 million citizens, of which 44% are reported to have limitations in daily activities due to the disease. In 2013, OA was responsible for $164 billion US dollars in lost wages which is equivalent to a loss of $4040 per year per individual [4] These statistics show that the burden of medical expenses increases over time, and the number of citizens experiencing loss of function and wages is increasing. This all highlights the need for the development of better treatments, from prevention, mitigation, and surgical intervention

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Conclusion