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4. Conclusions

In this study, we established a biomimetic osteochondral model by integrating microfluidics-

generated PMs with 3D bioprinting. The PMs provided a biocompatible, microporous framework

that supported chondrocyte and endothelial/osteoblast microtissue formation while preserving cell

phenotype and function. Incorporation of PMs into GelMA enabled tunable matrix stiffness without

compromising printability, facilitating the fabrication of stratified osteochondral constructs. The

resulting 3D model not only sustained long-term cell viability and recapitulated key features of the

osteochondral microenvironment, but also mimicked OA-like inflammation under LPS stimulation

by upregulating both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, treatment with diclofenac,

dexamethasone, and curcumin effectively reversed the induced inflammatory response,

underscoring the platform’s translational potential for anti-inflammatory drug screening. Taken

together, this biomimetic osteochondral system represents a versatile and physiologically relevant

platform for investigating OA pathology, evaluating therapeutic candidates, and advancing

osteochondral tissue engineering.

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