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3D bioactive ionic liquid-based architectures: An anti-inflammatory approach for early-stage osteoarthritis
Joana M Gomes1, Catarina F Marques1, Luísa C Rodrigues1
13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
This study developed novel 3D bioprinting bioinks using alginate, acemannan, and cholinium caffeate to create cartilage tissue analogs. These constructs effectively reduced inflammation and protected chondrocytes, showing promise for osteoarthritis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) involves synovial inflammation, pro-inflammatory mediators, and chondrocyte apoptosis, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.
- 3D bioprinting offers a platform for creating biomimetic constructs for cartilage regeneration and pharmacological screening in OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel bioinks for 3D bioprinting of cartilage tissue analogs.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of these bioinks in an OA-relevant in vitro model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of bioinks using alginate (ALG), acemannan (ACE), and cholinium caffeate (Ch[Caffeate]).
- 3D bioprinting of cell-laden constructs with encapsulated ATDC5 chondrocytes.
- Co-culture system with THP-1 macrophages to assess inflammatory response and cell viability.
Main Results:
- Achieved 3D constructs with good printing resolution, structural integrity, and high chondrocyte viability for 14 days.
- Demonstrated significant blocking of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and mediators (GM-CSF) in a co-culture system.
- Incorporation of the biocompatible ionic liquid (Ch[Caffeate]) enhanced bioactivity without compromising physicochemical properties.
Conclusions:
- ALG/ACE/Ch[Caffeate] bioinks show potential for engineering cartilage tissue analogs and managing OA-related inflammation.
- The developed bioinks protect encapsulated chondrocytes from inflammatory effects, supporting the use of biocompatible ionic liquids in biomedical applications.
- This approach facilitates the development of 3D bioprinting models for monitoring inflammatory events in osteoarthritis.
