Generating ready-to-implant anisotropic menisci by 3D-bioprinting protein-releasing cell-laden hydrogel-polymer composite scaffold

Abstract Objectives Three-dimensional–printed biomaterial scaffolds have been reported to generate different tissues. However, 3D-printing generated scaffolds require further cell seeding and long-term cultivation in vitro. Generating biomimetic meniscus tissue mimicking the anisotropic nature of the native meniscus still remains a challenge. Methods We report generating integrated living meniscus construct by 3D-bioprinting protein-releasing cell-laden Hydrogel-PCL composite scaffold. Briefly, PCL was molten to fabricate the physically supporting structure for the scaffold while MSC cell-laden hydrogel encapsulating PLGA microparticles carrying TGFβ3 or CTGF in different regions to induce anisotropic phenotypes were bio-printed into the microchannels between PCL fibers from different syringes. The 3D-bioprinted meniscus was evaluated in vitro and in a goat meniscus transplantation model. Results Cell phenotypes and matrix deposition in the regenerated meniscus construct showed resemblance to the native anisotropic meniscus in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Transplantation of the 3D-bioprinted meniscus into goat knees conferred long-term chondroprotection. Conclusion Goat anisotropic meniscus construct ready for immediate implantation and mimicking the native meniscus was generated by 3D-Bioprinting Protein-releasing Cell-laden Hydrogel-Polymer composite Scaffold.