FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
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.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2020-07-01 PubMed ID: 32434160DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab94ceGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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

                          Citations

                          This article has been cited 30 times.
                          1. Galarraga JH, Zlotnick HM, Locke RC, Gupta S, Fogarty NL, Masada KM, Stoeckl BD, Laforest L, Castilho M, Malda J, Levato R, Carey JL, Mauck RL, Burdick JA. Evaluation of surgical fixation methods for the implantation of melt electrowriting-reinforced hyaluronic acid hydrogel composites in porcine cartilage defects. Int J Bioprint 2023;9(5):775.
                            doi: 10.18063/ijb.775pubmed: 37457945google scholar: lookup
                          2. Du J, Zhu Z, Liu J, Bao X, Wang Q, Shi C, Zhao C, Xu G, Li D. 3D-printed gradient scaffolds for osteochondral defects: Current status and perspectives. Int J Bioprint 2023;9(4):724.
                            doi: 10.18063/ijb.724pubmed: 37323482google scholar: lookup
                          3. Bai L, Tao G, Feng M, Xie Y, Cai S, Peng S, Xiao J. Hydrogel Drug Delivery Systems for Bone Regeneration. Pharmaceutics 2023 Apr 25;15(5).
                            doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051334pubmed: 37242576google scholar: lookup
                          4. Chen R, Pye JS, Li J, Little CB, Li JJ. Multiphasic scaffolds for the repair of osteochondral defects: Outcomes of preclinical studies. Bioact Mater 2023 Sep;27:505-545.
                            doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.04.016pubmed: 37180643google scholar: lookup
                          5. Wang Y, Chen Y, Wei Y. Osteoarthritis animal models for biomaterial-assisted osteochondral regeneration. Biomater Transl 2022;3(4):264-279.
                            doi: 10.12336/biomatertransl.2022.04.006pubmed: 36846505google scholar: lookup
                          6. Yu L, Cavelier S, Hannon B, Wei M. Recent development in multizonal scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration. Bioact Mater 2023 Jul;25:122-159.
                            doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.01.012pubmed: 36817819google scholar: lookup
                          7. Wang M, Deng Z, Guo Y, Xu P. Designing functional hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. Mater Today Bio 2022 Dec 15;17:100495.
                            doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100495pubmed: 36420054google scholar: lookup
                          8. Vinod E, Padmaja K, Ramasamy B, Sathishkumar S. Systematic review of articular cartilage derived chondroprogenitors for cartilage repair in animal models. J Orthop 2023 Jan;35:43-53.
                            doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2022.10.012pubmed: 36387762google scholar: lookup
                          9. Santos-Beato P, Midha S, Pitsillides AA, Miller A, Torii R, Kalaskar DM. Biofabrication of the osteochondral unit and its applications: Current and future directions for 3D bioprinting. J Tissue Eng 2022 Jan-Dec;13:20417314221133480.
                            doi: 10.1177/20417314221133480pubmed: 36386465google scholar: lookup
                          10. Liu TP, Ha P, Xiao CY, Kim SY, Jensen AR, Easley J, Yao Q, Zhang X. Updates on mesenchymal stem cell therapies for articular cartilage regeneration in large animal models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022;10:982199.
                            doi: 10.3389/fcell.2022.982199pubmed: 36147737google scholar: lookup
                          11. Xu W, Wang W, Liu D, Liao D. Roles of Cartilage-Resident Stem/Progenitor Cells in Cartilage Physiology, Development, Repair and Osteoarthritis. Cells 2022 Jul 27;11(15).
                            doi: 10.3390/cells11152305pubmed: 35892602google scholar: lookup
                          12. Ao Y, Zhang E, Liu Y, Yang L, Li J, Wang F. Advanced Hydrogels With Nanoparticle Inclusion for Cartilage Tissue Engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022;10:951513.
                            doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.951513pubmed: 35845428google scholar: lookup
                          13. Ryu J, Brittberg M, Nam B, Chae J, Kim M, Colon Iban Y, Magneli M, Takahashi E, Khurana B, Bragdon CR. Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Bioprinted Human Cartilage Powder Combined with Micronized Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues for the Repair of Osteochondral Defects in Beagle Dogs. Int J Mol Sci 2022 Mar 1;23(5).
                            doi: 10.3390/ijms23052743pubmed: 35269885google scholar: lookup
                          14. Xu J, Ji J, Jiao J, Zheng L, Hong Q, Tang H, Zhang S, Qu X, Yue B. 3D Printing for Bone-Cartilage Interface Regeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022;10:828921.
                            doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.828921pubmed: 35237582google scholar: lookup
                          15. Rikkers M, Korpershoek JV, Levato R, Malda J, Vonk LA. The clinical potential of articular cartilage-derived progenitor cells: a systematic review. NPJ Regen Med 2022 Jan 10;7(1):2.
                            doi: 10.1038/s41536-021-00203-6pubmed: 35013329google scholar: lookup
                          16. Levato R, Lim KS, Li W, Asua AU, Peña LB, Wang M, Falandt M, Bernal PN, Gawlitta D, Zhang YS, Woodfield TBF, Malda J. High-resolution lithographic biofabrication of hydrogels with complex microchannels from low-temperature-soluble gelatin bioresins. Mater Today Bio 2021 Sep;12:100162.
                            doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100162pubmed: 34870141google scholar: lookup
                          17. Doyle SE, Snow F, Duchi S, O'Connell CD, Onofrillo C, Di Bella C, Pirogova E. 3D Printed Multiphasic Scaffolds for Osteochondral Repair: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2021 Nov 17;22(22).
                            doi: 10.3390/ijms222212420pubmed: 34830302google scholar: lookup
                          18. Schmidt S, Abinzano F, Mensinga A, Teßmar J, Groll J, Malda J, Levato R, Blunk T. Differential Production of Cartilage ECM in 3D Agarose Constructs by Equine Articular Cartilage Progenitor Cells and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020 Sep 25;21(19).
                            doi: 10.3390/ijms21197071pubmed: 32992847google scholar: lookup
                          19. Vinod E, Parameswaran R, Ramasamy B, Kachroo U. Pondering the Potential of Hyaline Cartilage-Derived Chondroprogenitors for Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review. Cartilage 2021 Dec;13(2_suppl):34S-52S.
                            doi: 10.1177/1947603520951631pubmed: 32840123google scholar: lookup
                          20. Kadyr S, Khumyrzakh B, Naz S, Abdossova A, Askarbek B, Kalyon DM, Liu Z, Erisken C. Hydrogels for Osteochondral Interface Regeneration: Biomaterial Types, Processes, and Animal Models. Gels 2025 Dec 27;12(1).
                            doi: 10.3390/gels12010024pubmed: 41590050google scholar: lookup
                          21. Azain CM, Santamaría Durán AN, Castañeda TC, Useche LF, Garcia EL, Valero JM, Quintero RJ, Jaramillo LF, Franco JA, Salazar RC, Ulloa JC, Rojas IG, Palacios RS, Patiño CC, Rodríguez-Pardo VM. Interaction Between Human Skeletal and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Physioxia Enhances Cartilage Organoid Formation: A Phenotypic, Molecular, and Functional Characterization. Cells 2025 Sep 11;14(18).
                            doi: 10.3390/cells14181423pubmed: 41002388google scholar: lookup
                          22. Maia JR, Bilo M, Fidalgo DS, Rebolo PD, Silva AS, Parente M, Sobreiro-Almeida R, Mano JF. Natural-Based Nanocomposite Ink Engineering for Seamless Multi-Material Integration in Extrusion-Based 3D Printing. Adv Healthc Mater 2026 Jan;15(1):e02733.
                            doi: 10.1002/adhm.202502733pubmed: 40913528google scholar: lookup
                          23. Enguven G, Tiryaki A, Koyuncu ACC, Gunduz O. Advances in Clinical Implications of 3D Printing for Osteochondral Regeneration. Adv Exp Med Biol 2025;1499:1-17.
                            doi: 10.1007/5584_2025_864pubmed: 40553350google scholar: lookup
                          24. Menssen DMA, Feenstra JCA, Janssen RPA, Abinzano F, Ito K. Cartilage Organoids from Articular Chondroprogenitor Cells and Their Potential to Produce Neo-Hyaline Cartilage. Cartilage 2025 Feb 10;:19476035241313179.
                            doi: 10.1177/19476035241313179pubmed: 39925233google scholar: lookup
                          25. Nordberg RC, Bielajew BJ, Takahashi T, Dai S, Hu JC, Athanasiou KA. Recent advancements in cartilage tissue engineering innovation and translation. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024 Jun;20(6):323-346.
                            doi: 10.1038/s41584-024-01118-4pubmed: 38740860google scholar: lookup
                          26. Ahmad N, Bukhari SNA, Hussain MA, Ejaz H, Munir MU, Amjad MW. Nanoparticles incorporated hydrogels for delivery of antimicrobial agents: developments and trends. RSC Adv 2024 Apr 22;14(19):13535-13564.
                            doi: 10.1039/d4ra00631cpubmed: 38665493google scholar: lookup
                          27. Liu G, Wei X, Zhai Y, Zhang J, Li J, Zhao Z, Guan T, Zhao D. 3D printed osteochondral scaffolds: design strategies, present applications and future perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024;12:1339916.
                            doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1339916pubmed: 38425994google scholar: lookup
                          28. Zhang C, Wang G, An Y. Achieving Nasal Septal Cartilage In Situ Regeneration: Focus on Cartilage Progenitor Cells. Biomolecules 2023 Aug 25;13(9).
                            doi: 10.3390/biom13091302pubmed: 37759702google scholar: lookup
                          29. Yayehrad AT, Siraj EA, Matsabisa M, Birhanu G. 3D printed drug loaded nanomaterials for wound healing applications. Regen Ther 2023 Dec;24:361-376.
                            doi: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.08.007pubmed: 37692197google scholar: lookup
                          30. Viola M, Piluso S, Groll J, Vermonden T, Malda J, Castilho M. The Importance of Interfaces in Multi-Material Biofabricated Tissue Structures. Adv Healthc Mater 2021 Nov;10(21):e2101021.
                            doi: 10.1002/adhm.202101021pubmed: 34510824google scholar: lookup
                          Subscribe to our newsletter
                          Join 99,780 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.