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PEG-Based Hydrogels for Meniscus Replacement: Advancing Scaffold Fabrication Flexibility through a Customized
Martina Meazzo1, Alì Ramezani1, Fabrizio Barberis2
1Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 291, Building S4-bis, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
This study introduces a novel injection molding technique for fabricating hydrogel scaffolds for meniscus replacement. The new method overcomes limitations of 3D printing, creating scaffolds with mechanical properties similar to native meniscal tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Meniscal injuries are common orthopedic issues, often leading to osteoarthritis if untreated.
- Current meniscus prostheses have limitations in mechanical properties and tissue integration, resulting in high failure rates.
- Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for effective meniscus replacement and tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel hydrogel scaffolds for meniscus replacement using an innovative injection molding setup.
- To overcome the material and resolution limitations of traditional 3D printing methods like fused deposition modeling (FDM).
- To create scaffolds that mimic the native meniscus's structure and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of hydrogel scaffolds using a novel injection molding setup with AUP4K DA and AUP4K HA hydrogel building blocks.
- Characterization using microscopy (SEM) to assess scaffold microstructure and pore distribution.
- Evaluation of hydrogel properties including swelling degree, gel fraction, and mechanical testing (compression, TPA).
Main Results:
- The injection molding setup successfully fabricated scaffolds with an interconnected porous network and uniform pore distribution.
- Hydrogel scaffolds demonstrated high water retention and efficient cross-linking.
- Mechanical testing confirmed that the scaffolds possess compressive strength and viscoelastic behavior comparable to native human meniscal tissue.
Conclusions:
- The novel injection molding setup offers a versatile platform for fabricating hydrogel scaffolds for meniscus replacement.
- This approach addresses limitations of FDM printing, enabling the creation of biocompatible scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties.
- The developed hydrogel scaffolds show significant promise for advancing meniscus replacement therapies and mimicking native meniscal tissue.
