Focal articular cartilage (AC) defects, if left untreated, can lead to debilitating diseases such as osteoarthritis. While several tissue engineering strategies have been developed to promote cartilage regeneration, it is still challenging to generate functional AC capable of sustaining high load‐bearing environments. Here, a new class of cartilage extracellular matrix (cECM)‐functionalized alginate bioink is developed for the bioprinting of cartilaginous tissues. The bioinks are 3D‐printable, support mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) viability postprinting and robust chondrogenesis in vitro, with the highest levels of COLLII and ACAN expression observed in bioinks containing the highest concentration of cECM. Enhanced chondrogenesis in cECM‐functionalized bioinks is also associated with progression along an endochondral‐like pathway, as evident by increases in RUNX2 expression and calcium deposition in vitro. The bioinks loaded with MSCs and TGF‐β3 are also found capable of supporting robust chondrogenesis, opening the possibility of using such bioinks for direct “print‐and‐implant” cartilage repair strategies. Finally, it is demonstrated that networks of 3D‐printed polycaprolactone fibers with compressive modulus comparable to native AC can be used to mechanically reinforce these bioinks, with no loss in cell viability. It is envisioned that combinations of such biomaterials can be used in multiple‐tool biofabrication strategies for the bioprinting of biomimetic cartilaginous implants.
TA6V (Ti‐6Al‐4V) titanium alloy is commonly used in implantology due to its biocompatibility and interesting mechanical properties. However, its lack of bioactivity is responsible for orthopedic implants loosening, eventually leading to the necessity for a revision surgery. In this study, inorganic coatings are developed with the aim of improving osteo‐integration of TA6V implants. To this end, a carbonated calcium phosphate apatite, already reported to be osteo‐conductive and naturally present in bone tissue, is shaped in the form of micro‐sized filaments, via the electrospinning process, in order to mimic the architecture of the collagen fibrils naturally present in the bone extracellular matrix. The process is then adapted to coat complex, 3D implants. Cellular assays with MG‐63 highlight that cell viability and proliferation are promoted on the coated implant, as a result of both its chemical and morphological properties.
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