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Human Cartilage Tissue Fabrication Using Three-dimensional Inkjet Printing Technology
Published on: June 10, 2014
Direct human cartilage repair using three-dimensional bioprinting technology.
Xiaofeng Cui1, Kurt Breitenkamp, M G Finn
1Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|March 8, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a 3D bioprinting system for cartilage tissue engineering, achieving precise cell placement and enhanced cell viability. The developed bioprinted cartilage shows mechanical properties similar to native tissue and promotes integration with host tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Current cartilage tissue engineering methods struggle to replicate native cartilage's zonal organization, matrix composition, and mechanical properties.
- Successful integration of engineered cartilage implants with surrounding native tissues is vital for long-term stability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D bioprinting system with simultaneous photopolymerization for enhanced cartilage tissue engineering.
- To assess the mechanical properties, cell viability, and tissue integration of bioprinted cartilage constructs.
Main Methods:
- A bioprinting system enabling simultaneous photopolymerization was utilized.
- Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) hydrogels containing human chondrocytes were 3D bioprinted.
- Bioprinted constructs were used to repair osteochondral plugs, and their properties were evaluated through mechanical testing, cell viability assays, Safranin-O staining, push-out testing, and gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- The compressive modulus of printed PEGDMA (395.73±80.40 kPa) closely matched native human articular cartilage.
- Simultaneous photopolymerization significantly increased printed human chondrocyte viability by 26% and ensured precise cell distribution.
- Bioprinted cartilage implants demonstrated firm attachment to surrounding tissues, increased proteoglycan deposition at the interface, and enhanced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D bioprinting system with simultaneous photopolymerization is a promising technology for anatomic cartilage engineering.
- The system facilitates precise cell distribution and enhances cell viability, leading to improved mechanical properties and tissue integration.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for direct cartilage repair, addressing limitations of current tissue engineering techniques.
