Three-dimensional-printed shape-memory composite scaffold for meniscus repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Engineering

Background:

• Meniscal injuries lead to knee dysfunction and osteoarthritis due to poor healing capacity.
• Current treatments like allografts and meniscectomy have limitations.
• A regenerative scaffold with biomechanical and biological functions is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed composite scaffold for meniscal regeneration.
• To integrate biomechanical and biological functionalities into the scaffold.
• To mimic native meniscal architecture and mechanics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate)/bacterial cellulose scaffold using 3D printing.
• Micro-computed tomography-based modeling for biomimetic architecture.
• In vitro assessment of mechanical properties, porosity, water absorption, and cytocompatibility with bone mesenchymal stem cells.

Main Results:

• The scaffold exhibited mechanical properties similar to native meniscal tissue.
• High porosity (63.57%) and water absorption (>138%) were observed.
• The scaffold demonstrated temperature-responsive shape memory behavior and supported cell viability, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed composite scaffold offers a promising strategy for meniscal regeneration.
• It integrates biomimetic mechanics, shape-memory properties, and pro-chondrogenic bioactivity.
• Further in vivo studies are required to confirm clinical potential.