MENISCAL SCAFFOLD FABRICATED VIA AN IMPROVED E-JETTING PRINTING SYSTEM

Summary StatementA three dimensional meniscal scaffold with controlled fibre diameter and orientation was fabricated by an improved E-Jetting system that mimic the internal structure of natural meniscus. In vitro cellular tests proved its feasibility in meniscal tissue engineering applications.IntroductionCurrent surgical and repair methods for complex meniscal injuries still do not often give satisfactory long-term results. Thus, scaffold-based grafts are the subject of much research interest. However, one major hurdle is that current techniques are unable to replicate the precise 3D microstructure of meniscus, nor the variations in the fibrillar structure and tissue content from layer to layer. In this work, an improved electrohydrodynamic jet printing system (E-Jetting system) was developed to fabricate biomimetic meniscal scaffold for tissue regeneration.MethodsPolycaprolactone (PCL) and ACS reagent grade acetic acid were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. 70% w/v PCL solution was prepared by dissolving po...