Abstract
Cartilage related diseases are on the top list concerns of the World Health Organization, being the prevention of articular cartilage degeneration a major health matter for which there are few effective solutions. Using an extrusion-based approach and a polyester elastomer it was aimed to produce 3D structures with controlled architecture and with closer mimicry to cartilage native tissue. The obtained constructs demonstrated high reliability, being the addition of poly (glycerol sebacate) a procedure to enhance the properties of the constructs.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition affecting over 250 million people worldwide [1]
Gathering tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, researchers have been interested in developing alternative approaches for restoring joint functionality
One of the most promising methodologies is the use of additive manufacturing (AM) processes
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint condition affecting over 250 million people worldwide [1]. Along with a significant impact on health-care and society, the Global Burden of Disease Study from the World Health Organization reported that knee OA is the 11th leading cause of disability, and shows a growing trend [2]. It may damage every joint in the human body, the most common disorders affect joints in the hips, knees, hands and spine. Significant efforts are being developed worldwide in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, but full cartilage restoration remains a paramount challenge [4]. One of the major goals is to produce biological substitutes to restore, maintain or improve tissue function, using biocompatible and biodegradable support structures, i.e. scaffolds, in conjunction with human cells [7]
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