Page 197 - v11i4

International

Journal of Bioprinting

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Construction of gelatin–alginate scaffolds

containing chondrocytes using 3D bioprinting
technology for the study of in vitro cartilage

senescence

Hanxiao Qin 1† id , Fanqing Xu 1† id , Jianfeng Li * , and Yi Ding *
2 id
1 id
1 Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
2 Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve Injury, Department
of Orthopedics Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen,
Guangdong, China

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative joint disease characterized by
progressive cartilage deterioration. Chondrocyte senescence is recognized as a
key contributor to the onset and progression of OA. Establishing reliable cartilage
senescence models is, therefore, essential for elucidating the underlying mechanisms
† These authors contributed equally and developing preventive strategies for OA. 3D-bioprinted models offer significant
to this work.
advantages in precisely controlling tissue architecture, enabling spatial delivery of
*Corresponding authors: bioactive molecules, and supporting dynamic cell culture. In this study, we employed
Yi Ding
(dingyi@mail.gzsrmyy.com) 3D bioprinting technology to construct cartilage models and subsequently
Jianfeng Li established cartilage senescence models using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Firstly,
(lijf68@mail3.sysu.edu.cn) gelatin–sodium alginate hydrogel scaffolds provided favorable mechanical
strength and porosity, creating a supportive microenvironment for chondrocyte
Citation: Qin H, Xu F, Li J,
Ding Y. Construction of gelatin– proliferation. Secondly, these scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatibility and
alginate scaffolds containing effectively promoted extracellular matrix synthesis and secretion. By comparing
chondrocytes using 3D bioprinting H₂O₂-induced 2D chondrocyte senescence models with 3D-bioprinted cartilage
technology for the study of in vitro
cartilage senescence. senescence models, our results demonstrated that the 3D models more closely
Int J Bioprint. 2025;11(4):189-208. mimicked the molecular characteristics of naturally aged human cartilage. Therefore,
doi: 10.36922/IJB025150136 the 3D-bioprinted cartilage senescence models represent a promising experimental
Received: April 11, 2025 platform for investigating the pathogenesis and prevention of age-related OA.
1st revised: May 12, 2025
2nd revised: May 22, 2025
Accepted: May 27, 2025 Keywords: 2D chondrocyte senescence; 3D bioprinting; 3D cartilage senescence;
Published online: May 30, 2025
Articular cartilage-laden scaffolds; Bioactive bioink
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s).
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution, 1. Introduction
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is Articular cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that lacks vascular, neural, and
properly cited. lymphatic systems. It possesses unique biomechanical properties, including toughness
Publisher’s Note: AccScience and viscoelasticity, which are essential for its roles in load-bearing and providing
Publishing remains neutral with lubrication during joint movement. However, defects in articular cartilage—caused
1,2
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional by traumatic injury, chronic inflammation, or aging—can lead to serious clinical
3
affiliations manifestations, such as joint pain, impaired mobility, and irreversible joint dysfunction.
Volume 11 Issue 4 (2025) 189 doi: 10.36922/IJB025150136