Page 75 - IJB-10-6

International

Journal of Bioprinting

REVIEW ARTICLE
3D bioprinting techniques and hydrogels for

osteochondral integration regeneration

Haiwei Tang 1† id , Enze Zhao 1† id , Yahao Lai 1 id , Anjin Chen , Xiaoting Chen ,
1
1
Weinan Zeng , Xulin Hu * , Kai Zhou * , and Zongke Zhou *
1
1 id
2 id
1 id
1 Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan
University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
2 Department of Orthopaedics, Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu
University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Abstract

Despite considerable advancements in regenerative medicine, restoring the
osteochondral interface and facilitating the integration of osteochondral
regeneration remain significant clinical conundrums. This challenge is predominantly
attributed to the scarcity of appropriate tissue engineering materials for replacing
osteochondral defects and facilitating tissue regeneration. 3D bioprinting constitutes
a promising approach for bone fabrication, as it not only allows for the design of
† These authors contributed equally
to this work. precise personalized scaffolds but also encapsulates cells and growth factors, with
the potential to replicate the functions of native tissues. Many critical properties
*Corresponding authors:
Xulin Hu of hydrogels, such as their mechanical properties, elasticity, and bioactivity, make
(huxulin1993@cdu.edu.cn) them the most prevalently utilized bioinks in tissue engineering. In addition, their
Kai Zhou structure can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of different situations. Therefore,
(zhoukai_scu@scu.edu.cn) 3D-bioprinted hydrogel scaffolds may have promising prospects for integrated
Zongke Zhou osteochondral repair and are receiving increasing attention. In this review, we
(zhouzongke@scu.edu.cn)
describe the current problems encountered in the field of osteochondral integration
Citation: Tang H, Zhao E, Lai Y, repair and review the latest advances in current 3D printing technology and 3D
et al. 3D bioprinting techniques bioprinting hydrogel scaffolds. We propose prospects for the development of novel
and hydrogels for osteochondral
integration regeneration. 3D-bioprinted hydrogel scaffolds, providing cues for future research directions.
Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(6):4472.
doi: 10.36922/ijb.4472
Keywords: Osteochondral integration repair; 3D-bioprinted; Hydrogels
Received: August 7, 2024
Revised: August 27, 2024
Accepted: September 9, 2024
Published Online: September 10,
2024 1. Introduction
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s).
This is an Open Access article The osteochondral tissue is composed of a cartilage layer, a bone-cartilage interface, and
distributed under the terms of the subchondral bone. Articular cartilage, when involved in joint function, is capable of
Creative Commons Attribution enduring mechanical load stress and lubricating friction during movement. Owing
1,2
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, to its close structural connection, cartilage damage caused by trauma, aging, and
provided the original work is degeneration often extends to the interface and subchondral bone layers, leading to the
properly cited. formation of osteochondral defects (OCDs). As OCDs progress, they can result in
3,4
Publisher’s Note: AccScience joint pain, deformity, limited range of motion, and even dysfunction, eventually leading
Publishing remains neutral with to osteoarthritis (OA). In general, there are many differences in chemical composition
5
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional and mechanical, structural, electrical, and oxygen and nutritional consumption between
6,7
affiliations. articular and subchondral bone. The cartilage layer is characterized by a soft and
Volume 10 Issue 6 (2024) 67 doi: 10.36922/ijb.4472