GelMA Hydrogel/Alginate-Based Scaffolds: 3D Bioprinting for Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

The perichondrium-a natural fibrous membrane encasing cartilage-plays a pivotal role in nutrient delivery and matrix regulation; however, it is often overlooked in engineered constructs. This study aimed to fabricate a perichondrium-mimicking three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted auricular cartilage construct utilizing a hybrid bioink and to assess the effects of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) outer layers on cartilage matrix formation, vascularization, and construct stability. Chondrocyte spheroids and ADSCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and embedded in bioinks composed of either alginate alone or alginate/GelMA composites. A dual-mode printing strategy facilitated the fabrication of constructs with 3 and 10 layers. ADSCs were printed as outer "perichondrium-mimicking" layers in designated groups (G2, G4, and G6). Constructs were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice for 6 weeks. Histological analyses, immunohistochemical assessments (CD31), and image-based quantitative analyses were conducted. The inclusion of ADSC layers significantly enhanced cartilage matrix synthesis and decreased calcification, particularly in constructs containing GelMA. Group G4 exhibited the highest levels of glycosaminoglycan and collagen content, as well as the lowest calcium deposition. Ten-layer constructs (G6) preserved structural integrity and supported neovascularization; however,

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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