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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
09:32
Human Cartilage Tissue Fabrication Using Three-dimensional Inkjet Printing Technology
Published on: June 10, 2014
Embedded cell-only bioprinting to engineer structurally aligned meniscal fibrocartilage
Aliaa Sherif Karam1,2,3, Gabriela S Kronemberger1,2,3, Kaoutar Chattahy1,2,3
1Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland.
Materials Today. Bio
|June 22, 2026
Summary
External geometric confinement guides collagen alignment in engineered fibrocartilage. This biofabrication strategy enhances tissue organization, paving the way for scaffold-free meniscal grafts.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Meniscal graft engineering is challenging due to difficulties in replicating native tissue's organized collagen structure.
- This collagen architecture is crucial for the biomechanical function of the meniscus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if external geometric confinement can direct collagen alignment in mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-derived fibrocartilaginous tissues.
- To develop a scalable biofabrication platform for engineering functional meniscal grafts.
Main Methods:
- MSCs were cultured in agarose channels to observe boundary-induced collagen alignment.
- MSC bioinks were bioprinted into methacrylated xanthan gum (XGMA) to create filaments of varying widths.
- YAP and ROCK pathways were inhibited to study the role of cellular mechanotransduction.
Main Results:
- Collagen fibers aligned parallel to the confining channels in initial experiments.
- Reducing filament width during bioprinting enhanced collagen alignment and matrix deposition.
- Inhibition of YAP and ROCK pathways disrupted cellular alignment but not collagen organization.
Conclusions:
- External geometric confinement is a powerful and scalable strategy for engineering meniscal grafts.
- This approach promotes biomimetic collagen organization, essential for meniscal function.
- The findings may advance the development of scaffold-free meniscal grafts.
