Biofabrication for Osteochondral Regeneration
Jos Malda,
Professor,
University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU)
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is already routinely used in the orthopedic clinic, e.g. for pre-operative models or intra-operative guides. Nevertheless, the shift towards 3D bioprinting has not yet occurred. This shift, however, does hold potential to advance the field of osteochondral regeneration. First, outer shapes of the biologically active construct can be personalized based on clinical images of the patient’s defect. Further, osteochondral or zonally organized constructs can be generated when printing with multiple bio-inks and relevant mechanical properties can be obtained by hybrid printing with thermoplastic polymers and hydrogels, as well as by the incorporation of reinforcing polymer meshes. Finally, bioprinting techniques contribute to the automation of the implant production process, reducing the risk of infection. This presentation will outline these opportunities, as well as some significant challenges that need to be addressed to prompt the shift from non-living implants towards living 3D bioprinted cartilage constructs in the clinic.
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