Work

3D bioprinted multi-layered cell constructs with gradient core-shell interface for tendon-to-bone tissue regeneration

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Rotator cuff tears are common among physically active individuals and often require surgical intervention owing to their limited self-healing capacity. This study proposes a new bioprinting approach using bone- and tendon tissue-specific bioinks derived from decellularized extracellular matrix , supplemented with hydroxyapatite and TGF-β/poly(vinyl alcohol) to fabricate engineered tendon-to-bone complex tissue. To achieve this goal, a core-shell nozzle system attached to a bioprinter enables the effective and simultaneous fabrication of aligned tendon tissue , a gradient tendon-bone interface (TBI), and a mechanically improved bone region, mimicking the native tendon-to-bone structure. In vitro evaluation demonstrated the well-directed differentiation of human adipose stem cells towards osteogenic and tenogenic lineages in the bone and tendon constructs. In the graded TBI structure , further facilitated fibrocartilage formation and enhanced the integration of tendon-to-bone tissues compared to non-graded structures in vitro . Furthermore, using a rabbit rotator cuff tear model, implantation of the biologically graded constructs significantly promoted the rapid regeneration of full-thickness tendon-to-bone tissue, including the formation of a high-quality TBI in vivo . This bioprinting approach not only improved mechanical properties and tissue integration but also enhanced angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, demonstrating its potential as a promising platform for the regeneration of tendon-to-bone complex tissues.

Source: Bioactive Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.10.002