Particulate ECM biomaterial ink is 3D printed and naturally crosslinked to form structurally-layered and lubricated cartilage tissue mimics

Abstract Articular cartilage is a layered tissue with a complex, heterogeneous structure and lubricated surface which is challenging to reproduce using traditional tissue engineering methods. Three-dimensional printing techniques have enabled engineering of complex scaffolds for cartilage regeneration, but constructs fail to replicate the unique zonal layers, and limited cytocompatible crosslinkers exist. To address the need for mechanically robust, layered scaffolds, we developed an extracellular matrix particle-based biomaterial ink (pECM biomaterial ink) which can be extruded, polymerizes via disulfide bonding, and restores layered tissue structure and surface lubrication. Our cartilage pECM biomaterial ink utilizes functionalized hyaluronan (HA), a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan, crosslinked directly to decellularized tissue particles (ø40–100 µ m). We experimentally determined that HA functionalized with thiol groups (t-HA) forms disulfide bonds with the ECM particles to form a 3D network. We show that two inks can be co-printed to create a layered cartilage scaffold with bulk compressive and surface (friction coefficient, adhesion, and roughness) mechanics approaching values measured on native cartilage. We demonstrate that our printing process enables the addition of macropores throughout the construct, increasing the viability of introduced cells by 10%. The delivery of these 3D printed scaffolds to a defect is straightforward, customizable to any shape, and adheres to surrounding tissue.