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Human Cartilage Tissue Fabrication Using Three-dimensional Inkjet Printing Technology
Published on: June 10, 2014
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Three-Dimensional-Printed Bone Grafts for Simultaneous Bone and Cartilage Regeneration: A Promising Approach to
Smiljana Paraš1, Božana Petrović2, Dijana Mitić3
1Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pharmaceutics
|April 26, 2025
Summary
A novel 3D-printed bone graft promotes dual bone and cartilage regeneration. This bioresorbable material enhanced stem cell differentiation and showed successful bone defect healing and cartilage formation in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- A previously investigated 3D-printed, bioresorbable bone graft composed of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) demonstrated significant osteoinductive properties.
- The current research explores combining this graft with an nHAP gel, enriched with hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hyaluronate, and chondroitin sulfate, to achieve dual bone and cartilage regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel 3D-printed bone graft in promoting simultaneous bone and cartilage regeneration.
- To assess the biocompatibility and regenerative potential of the nHAP gel in combination with the 3D-printed graft.
Main Methods:
- In vitro: Assessed mitochondrial activity and osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells derived from apical papilla (SCAPs) with nHAP gel.
- In vivo: Utilized customized 3D-printed grafts to fill segmental femoral condyle defects in rabbits, followed by a 12-week healing assessment.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies confirmed the nHAP gel's biocompatibility, enhancing SCAP mitochondrial activity and promoting osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation.
- In vivo analysis revealed partial graft resorption, lamellar bone formation with Haversian systems, and infiltration of new bone and cartilage.
- Histological evaluation showed evidence of osteogenesis, increased vascularization, and formation of hyaline cartilage with new chondrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Tailored 3D-printed bone grafts effectively promote the healing of significant bone defects and facilitate new cartilage formation.
- The developed graft system achieves dual bone and cartilage regeneration without additional biological factors, presenting a viable clinical alternative for bone repair.
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