Biofabrication studies for osteochondral structure

• Grant number: 19/11950-6
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: October 01, 2019 - December 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal researcher: Jorge Vicente Lopes da Silva
• Grantee: Jorge Vicente Lopes da Silva
• Home Institution: Centro de Pesquisas Renato Archer (CENPRA). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovações (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Assoc. researchers: Fernando Ely ; Janaina de Andrea Dernowsek ; Juliana Kelmy Macário Barboza Daguano ; Rodrigo Alvarenga Rezende
• Associated scholarship(s): 20/00229-1 - Development and characterization of PEG-Laponite-based biotechnology for 3D printing of chondral structure, BP.TT

Abstract

Biofabrication can be understood as the automated generation of products from the controlled deposition of cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules for the formation of tissues or organs. Biofabrication consists of three main approaches: (1) based on scaffolds, (2) based on tissue spheroids and (3) hybrid. The focus of this project is the hybrid strategy, that is characterized using scaffolds (biodegradable three-dimensional supports for cell growth) that receive the tissue spheroids (three-dimensional structures of pre-established cell clusters) and provide a suitable mechanical and/or biological microenvironment for the development of new tissue. Osteochondral defects, described by a complex stratified nanostructure and contrasting biomechanical properties, are a challenge to be overcome by Biofabrication since cartilage and bone tissues should be mimicked. One of the most efficient ways to obtain scaffolds is Additive Manufacturing, since this processing route allows the material a uniform or more complex geometry and porosity with controlled dimension and morphology of pores with 100% interconnectivity, to appropriately receive the cellular spheroids allowing for the cell's nutrition and withdraw of subproducts of metabolic cell activity. Therefore, the aim of this study is the Biofabrication of the osteochondral structure employing the biphasic biomimetic scaffold design, obtained by an additive manufacturing process, with rigid layers of a highly bioactive glass-ceramic and flexible layers bioprinted with bioink based on polyethylene glycol (PEG). This scaffold should induce in vitro, in its separate layers, the osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis of the tissue spheroids of mesenchymal stem pulp cells (SHED). (AU)