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Development and Characterization of Bioinks for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Saberi, Reyhaneh | 2025

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 58616 (06)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Mashayekhan, Shohreh; Yaghmaei, Soheyla
  7. Abstract:
  8. Meniscus regeneration remains a major challenge in orthopedics due to its structural heterogeneity and limited vascularization. In this study, a hybrid scaffold composed of silk fibroin (SF), decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) microparticles, and polycaprolactone (PCL) was fabricated using dual-nozzl bioprinting to achieve both biological and mechanical functionality. Rheological analysis of the bioink demonstrated shear-thinning behavior, a dominant storage modulus (G′) over the loss modulus (G″), and rapid gelation confirmed by the vial inversion test, ensuring stable extrusion and shape fidelity. The bioink also exhibited structural recovery exceeding 90% after stress release. Swelling tests revealed an initial rapid uptake exceeding 250% within 1–3 h, followed by equilibrium swelling at 24 h, where the SF/ECM hydrogel absorbed approximately 20% more water than SF alone, attributable to the hydrophilic GAG components. Mechanical evaluation under unconfined compression showed an elastic compressive modulus consistent with meniscal tissue requirements (in the range of native meniscus reported values), indicating the scaffold’s ability to withstand physiological loads. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a uniform, interconnected porous architecture. Biological assays confirmed high cytocompatibility: MTT assays revealed significantly higher metabolic activity of human C28 chondrocytes encapsulated in SF/ECM scaffolds compared to SF-only and 2D controls over 7 days, while Live/Dead staining after 48 h confirmed >85% cell viability. Incorporation of ECM microparticles enhanced cellular proliferation and survival compared with the control groups. Overall, simultaneous bioprinting of SF/ECM bioink with PCL produced a structurally robust and biologically supportive hybrid scaffold, offering a promising platform for functional meniscus tissue regeneration and broader applications in regenerative medicine
  9. Keywords:
  10. Bio-Printing ; Tissue Engineering ; Cartilage Tissue Engineering ; Silk Fibroin ; Three Dimensional Printer ; Bioink ; Meniscus Regeneration ; Dual-Nozzle Printing

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