Ectopic fibrocartilage development in 3D printed gelatin scaffolds
Fibrocartilage is present in the knee meniscus, intervertebral discs and in the temporomandiublar joint (TMJ). Globally, the burden of patients suffering from degenerative conditions of these structures are enormous. Improving treatment options for degenerative joint diseases and regenerate these structures would have a tremendous impact for patients quality of life and decrease the global burden of costs related to treatment and disability.
Ectopic animal models are suitable for proof-of-principle studies to investigate the potential in a physiological environment without endogenous signals and growth factors. The aim of the current project proposal is to develop tissue engineered implants for TMJ joint disc replacement from allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and 3D printed biomaterial scaffolds. MSCs can be obtained from the patient ìs bone marrow, and be differentiated into cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) to develop a construct suitable for a disc replacement of the native TMJ-disc.
We aim to investigate the fibrocartilaginous potential of 'in-house' 3D printed gelatin scaffolds with allogenic MSCs in a subcutaneous environment. Further, we aim to investigate the degree of degradation of the scaffold biomaterial and inflammation in the host environment.
In vitro studies of the scaffolds have been conducted to optimize mechanical and biological parameters. Unfortunately, there are no in vitro models that can mimic the in vivo situation to the fullest, and animal experiments must be utilized. To limit the number of animals, four constructs will be implanted subcutaneous into the dorsum of each animal, resulting in a reduction of animals of 75%. The constructs will be implanted in pockets near the flanks to minimize the animals discomfort.
In total, 60 female rats will be divided into four groups with three timepoints (2, 6 and 12 weeks).
Ectopic animal models are suitable for proof-of-principle studies to investigate the potential in a physiological environment without endogenous signals and growth factors. The aim of the current project proposal is to develop tissue engineered implants for TMJ joint disc replacement from allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and 3D printed biomaterial scaffolds. MSCs can be obtained from the patient ìs bone marrow, and be differentiated into cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) to develop a construct suitable for a disc replacement of the native TMJ-disc.
We aim to investigate the fibrocartilaginous potential of 'in-house' 3D printed gelatin scaffolds with allogenic MSCs in a subcutaneous environment. Further, we aim to investigate the degree of degradation of the scaffold biomaterial and inflammation in the host environment.
In vitro studies of the scaffolds have been conducted to optimize mechanical and biological parameters. Unfortunately, there are no in vitro models that can mimic the in vivo situation to the fullest, and animal experiments must be utilized. To limit the number of animals, four constructs will be implanted subcutaneous into the dorsum of each animal, resulting in a reduction of animals of 75%. The constructs will be implanted in pockets near the flanks to minimize the animals discomfort.
In total, 60 female rats will be divided into four groups with three timepoints (2, 6 and 12 weeks).