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Home / Equine Research Bank / Biofabrication / A composite hydrogel-3D printed thermoplast osteochondral an...
Biofabrication2020; 12(3); 035028; doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab94ce

A composite hydrogel-3D printed thermoplast osteochondral anchor as example for a zonal approach to cartilage repair: in vivo performance in a long-term equine model.

Abstract: Recent research has been focusing on the generation of living personalized osteochondral constructs for joint repair. Native articular cartilage has a zonal structure, which is not reflected in current constructs and which may be a cause of the frequent failure of these repair attempts. Therefore, we investigated the performance of a composite implant that further reflects the zonal distribution of cellular component both in vitro and in vivo in a long-term equine model. Constructs constituted of a 3D-printed poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) bone anchor from which reinforcing fibers protruded into the chondral part of the construct over which two layers of a thiol-ene cross-linkable hyaluronic acid/poly(glycidol) hybrid hydrogel (HA-SH/P(AGE-co-G)) were fabricated. The top layer contained Articular Cartilage Progenitor Cells (ACPCs) derived from the superficial layer of native cartilage tissue, the bottom layer contained mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The chondral part of control constructs were homogeneously filled with MSCs. After six months in vivo, microtomography revealed significant bone growth into the anchor. Histologically, there was only limited production of cartilage-like tissue (despite persistency of hydrogel) both in zonal and non-zonal constructs. There were no differences in histological scoring; however, the repair tissue was significantly stiffer in defects repaired with zonal constructs. The sub-optimal quality of the repair tissue may be related to several factors, including early loss of implanted cells, or inappropriate degradation rate of the hydrogel. Nonetheless, this approach may be promising and research into further tailoring of biomaterials and of construct characteristics seems warranted.
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Publication Date: 2020-07-01 PubMed ID: 32434160DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab94ceGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses a study conducted on a designed osteochondral construct that can be used for joint repair. The unique aspect being the reflection of zonal distribution of cellular component in this construct, assessed through in vitro and in vivo testing on horses.

Objective

The study aimed at building an osteochondral construct with a distinct zonal distribution of cellular components which mimic the structure of the native articular cartilage. The goal is to improve on the existing constructs whose frequent failures may be attributed to the lack of this zonal structure.

Research Method

  • The researchers designed a composite implant made of a 3D printed poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) bone anchor, extending fibers into the chondral section of the construct.
  • Topped this foundation with two-layered thiol-ene cross-linkable hyaluronic acid/poly(glycidol) hybrid hydrogel (HA-SH/P(AGE-co-G)).
  • The upper layer contained Articular Cartilage Progenitor Cells (ACPCs) sourced from the superficial layer of native cartilage tissue, while the bottom layer was filled with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).
  • For comparison, control constructions were filled homogeneously with MSCs.

In Vivo Performance

  • The performance of the construct was evaluated by implanting it in a long-term equine model. The experiment lasted for six months.
  • Through microtomography, significant bone growth into the anchor was detected.
  • The study observed limited production of cartilage-like tissue with the presence of the hydrogel in both zonal and non-zonal constructs.
  • There were no substantial differences in the histological scoring, but the repair tissue was significantly stiffer in defects repaired with zonal constructs.

Findings and Conclusion

  • Despite some fundamental advantages possessed by the composite implants with a zonal structure, there is scope for improvement in the quality of repair tissue.
  • This sub-optimal quality might be due to the rapid loss of the implanted cells or the inappropriate degradation rate of the hydrogel.
  • However, the research opens promising avenues for future studies into further advancements in the design of biomaterial constructs personalized for individual needs.

Cite This Article

APA
Mancini IAD, Schmidt S, Brommer H, Pouran B, Schäfer S, Tessmar J, Mensinga A, van Rijen MHP, Groll J, Blunk T, Levato R, Malda J, van Weeren PR. (2020). A composite hydrogel-3D printed thermoplast osteochondral anchor as example for a zonal approach to cartilage repair: in vivo performance in a long-term equine model. Biofabrication, 12(3), 035028. https://doi.org/10.1088/1758-5090/ab94ce

Publication

Biofabrication
ISSN: 1758-5090
NlmUniqueID: 101521964
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Pages: 035028

Researcher Affiliations

Mancini, I A D
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed.
Schmidt, S
    Brommer, H
      Pouran, B
        Schäfer, S
          Tessmar, J
            Mensinga, A
              van Rijen, M H P
                Groll, J
                  Blunk, T
                    Levato, R
                      Malda, J
                        van Weeren, P R

                          MeSH Terms

                          • Animals
                          • Biomechanical Phenomena / drug effects
                          • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
                          • Chondrocytes / pathology
                          • Disease Models, Animal
                          • Extracellular Matrix / drug effects
                          • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
                          • Horses
                          • Hyaluronic Acid / pharmacology
                          • Hydrogels / chemistry
                          • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
                          • Organ Size
                          • Printing, Three-Dimensional
                          • Regeneration
                          • Sulfhydryl Compounds / pharmacology
                          • Suture Anchors

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