P034 - Self-assembling of 3D gelatin microniches into functional constructs for cartilage regeneration
Abstract
Purpose
The traditional materials include: bulk of scaffold and hydrogel, each with its own advantages and limitations. Based on the previous studies, a new type of scaffold will constructed by using 3D microcarriers through self-assembly and had good biocompatibility for cartilage regeneration.
Methods and Materials
The main contents of the present study include the following parts: (1) Based on the previous studies of 3D microcarriers, a self-assemble functionalized constructs were developed by using multidisciplinary crossover techniques such as tissue engineering, micro/nano processing and cell biology. (2) Based on the techniques of cell biology and molecular biology, we explored the mechanism of self-assembly of the functionalized constructs and its role in maintaining or promoting the related properties of mesenchymal stem cells. (3) Based on the techniques of cell biology and histomorphology, the functional repair of cartilage defects was evaluated based on rabbit cartilage defect model.
Results
We first constructed a tissue culture mold by 3D printing technology. The 3D microcarriers containing umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells were placed in a tissue culture mold and cultured for 3 days to form constructs. We evaluated the biocompatibility, biomechanical property and morphological evaluation of the constructs cultured for 3, 7 and 12 days. (2) We confirmed that the mechanism of self-assembly of 3D microcarriers may be related to the deposition of extracellular matrix by quantitative proteomics assay, and the accumulation of extracellular matrix promotes the adhesion between 3D microcarriers. Furthermore, we confirmed that the present constructs developing method can maintain the stemness and juvenile of mesenchymal stem cells, and can promote cell paracrine. (3) We established rabbit cartilage defect model, and filled the defects of cartilage with them.
Conclusion
Based on the previous studies of 3D microcarriers, a self-assemble functionalized constructs were developed by using multidisciplinary crossover techniques such as tissue engineering, micro/nano processing and cell biology for cartilage regeneration.
