Double crosslinked hyaluronic acid and collagen as a potential bioink for cartilage tissue engineering

The avascular nature of hyaline cartilage results in limited spontaneous self-repair and regenerative capabilities when damaged. Recent advances in three-dimensional bioprinting have enabled the precise dispensing of cell-laden biomaterials, commonly referred to as 'bioinks', which are emerging as promising solutions for tissue regeneration. An effective bioink for cartilage tissue engineering needs to create a micro-environment that promotes cell differentiation and supports neocartilage tissue formation. In this study, we introduced an innovative bioink composed of photocurable acrylated type I collagen (COLMA), thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (THA), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) for 3D bioprinting cartilage grafts using human nasal chondrocytes. Both collagen and hyaluronic acid, being key components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the human body, provide essential biological cues for tissue regeneration. We evaluated three formulations - COLMA, COLMA+THA, and COLMA+THA+PEGDA - for their printability, cell viability, structural integrity, and capabilities in forming cartilage-like ECM. The addition of THA and PEGDA significantly enhanced these properties, showcasing the potential of this bioink in advancing applications in cartilage repair and reconstructive surgery.