3D Printed Cartilage-Like Tissue Constructs with Spatially Controlled Mechanical Properties

Author(s)

de Melo, Bruna A. G. ; Jodat, Yasamin A. ; Mehrotra, Shreya ; Calabrese, Michelle A. ; Kamperman, Tom ; Mandal, Biman B. ; Santana, Maria H. A. ; Alsberg, Eben ; Leijten, Jeroen ; Shin, Su Ryon

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS; v. 29, n. 51, p. 13-pg., 2019-10-21.

Abstract

Developing biomimetic cartilaginous tissues that support locomotion while maintaining chondrogenic behavior is a major challenge in the tissue engineering field. Specifically, while locomotive forces demand tissues with strong mechanical properties, chondrogenesis requires a soft microenvironment. To address this challenge, 3D cartilage-like tissue is fabricated using two biomaterials with different mechanical properties: a hard biomaterial to reflect the macromechanical properties of native cartilage, and a soft biomaterial to create a chondrogenic microenvironment. To this end, a bath composed of an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and alginate hydrogel (MPa order compressive modulus) is developed as an extracellular matrix (ECM) with self-healing properties. Within this bath supplemented with thrombin, human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) spheroids embedded in fibrinogen are 3D bioprinted, creating a soft microenvironment composed of fibrin (kPa order compressive modulus) that simulate cartilage's pericellular matrix and allow a fast diffusion of nutrients. The bioprinted hMSC spheroids present high viability and chondrogenic-like behavior without adversely affecting the macromechanical properties of the tissue. Therefore, the ability to locally bioprint a soft and cell stimulating biomaterial inside of a mechanically robust hydrogel is demonstrated, thereby uncoupling the micro- and macromechanical properties of the 3D printed tissues such as cartilage. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02913-4 - Microfluidics for 3D h-ADMCs culture in hyaluronic acid free or structured in sponges: chemotaxis and chemokinesis in response to growth factors gradients from L-PRP
• Grantee: Bruna Alice Gomes de Melo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate