The Rheology and Printability of Cartilage Matrix-Only Biomaterials

Abstract

The potential chondroinductivity from cartilage matrix makes it promising for cartilage repair; however, cartilage matrix-based hydrogels developed thus far have failed to match the mechanical performance of native cartilage or be bioprinted without adding polymers for reinforcement. There is a need for cartilage matrix-based hydrogels with robust mechanical performance and paste-like precursor rheology for bioprinting/enhanced surgical placement. In the current study, our goals were to increase hydrogel stiffness and develop the paste-like precursor/printability of our methacryl-modified solubilized and devitalized cartilage (MeSDVC) hydrogels. We compared two methacryloylating reagents, methacrylic anhydride (MA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GM), and varied the molar excess (ME) of MA from 2 to 20. The MA-modified MeSDVCs had greater methacryloylation than GM-modified MeSDVC (20 ME). While GM and most of the MA hydrogel precursors exhibited paste-like rheology, the 2 ME MA and GM MeSDVCs had the best printability (i.e., shape fidelity, filament collapse). After crosslinking, the 2 ME MA MeSDVC had the highest stiffness (1.55 ± 0.23 MPa), approaching the modulus of native cartilage, and supported the viability/adhesion of seeded cells for 15 days. Overall, the MA (2 ME) improved methacryloylation, hydrogel stiffness, and printability, resulting in a stand-alone MeSDVC printable biomaterial. The MeSDVC has potential as a future bioink and has future clinical relevance for cartilage repair.

Characterization of Acellular Cartilage Matrix-Sodium Alginate Scaffolds in Various Proportions

“… 33 However, ACM alone has limitations due to its low viscosity and surface tension, making it unsuitable for 3D bioprinting and typically used as a gel material. 34 , 35 These limitations can be overcome by combining ACM with SA, as the mixture can create stronger structures, and SA does not elicit an immune reaction during transplantation. 36 The mechanical properties of the ACM-SA scaffold are also crucial.…”

Engineering Cell–ECM–Material Interactions for Musculoskeletal Regeneration

“…Twelve months post-operatively, patients treated with the ADM had significantly reduced adhesion and increased tendon functionality compared to controls treated without the implant. A third trial using ADM found improved range of motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints six months post operatively versus control groups treated conventionally [ 101 ]. Taken together, these and other studies show that matrix implants can aid in preventing adhesion and halting further tissue and joint destruction following invasive reparative surgeries.…”

“…Techniques, such as CRISPR-based genome editing, may support the fabrication of custom ECMs that can replicate features of diseases that, until now, have been difficult or impossible to mimic in vitro. Alongside genetic engineering, novel composite materials, such as ECM-silk and ECM-titanium constructs, and ECM-based bioinks [ 78 , 80 , 101 , 140 ], may provide platforms with previously unachievable mechanical, biochemical, and genetic properties for use in regenerative therapies. Bioinks in particular are seeing increases in popularity and potential applications.…”

Rise of tissue- and species-specific 3D bioprinting based on decellularized extracellular matrix-derived bioinks and bioresins

“…After solubilizing the dECM, it can be directly used for extrusion bioprinting, where gelation occurs through the physical process of fibrillogenesis at physical conditions (37 °C and pH 7.4). However, when the material is intended for use as a photocrosslinkable bioresin, the dECM polymers are typically chemically functionalized with double bond-containing moieties [32] , [33] , [34] . This modification allows for the covalent crosslinking of the dECM using light, enhancing the strength of the resulting hydrogels and improving their handling.…”