Three-Dimensional Printing Biologically Inspired DNA-Based Gradient Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Cartilage damage from aging, injury, or disease leads to pain and disability due to cartilage's poor regenerative capacity.
• Current treatments like autografts and allografts face limitations such as donor scarcity and immune rejection.
• Engineered tissues offer a promising alternative for cartilage repair and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a three-dimensional (3D) printed, three-layer gradient scaffold incorporating lysine-functionalized rosette nanotubes (RNTK).
• To enhance the chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) on the novel scaffold.
• To evaluate the scaffold's potential for cartilage repair and regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a three-layer gradient scaffold using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) via stereolithography.
• Functionalization of the scaffold surface with lysine-functionalized rosette nanotubes (RNTK).
• Culturing ADSCs on the GelMA-PEGDA-RNTK scaffold and assessing cell proliferation, chondrogenic differentiation markers (collagen II, glycosaminoglycan, total collagen), and gene expression.

Main Results:

• The GelMA-PEGDA-RNTK scaffold showed a 34% increase in ADSC population compared to the control scaffold.
• Significant increases in collagen II (59%), glycosaminoglycan (71%), and total collagen (60%) synthesis were observed after 3 weeks of chondrogenic differentiation.
• Gene expression of collagen II α1, SOX 9, and aggrecan increased by 79%, 52%, and 47%, respectively, on the RNTK-enhanced scaffold.

Conclusions:

• Lysine-functionalized rosette nanotubes (RNTK) show significant potential in promoting chondrogenic differentiation.
• The 3D-printed three-layer gradient GelMA-PEGDA-RNTK scaffold is a promising biomaterial for cartilage repair and regeneration.
• This engineered scaffold offers a viable alternative to current cartilage repair strategies, addressing limitations of donor availability and immune rejection.