Composite System of 3D-Printed Polymer and Acellular Matrix Hydrogel to Repair Temporomandibular Joint Disc

Tissue engineering is a promising approach to restore or replace damaged temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc. However, constructing scaffold that can mimic biomechanical and biological properties of the natural TMJ disc remains challenge. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was used fabricate polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyurethane (PU) scaffolds PU imitate region-specific The were coated with polydopamine (PDA) combined decellularized matrix (dECM). Then, rat costal chondrocytes mouse L929 fibroblasts, respectively, suspended on composite functions cells studied. characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle analysis, testing. To verify biocompatibility scaffolds, viability, proliferation, extracellular (ECM) production seeded assessed LIVE/DEAD staining, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, biochemical content immunofluorescence qRT-PCR. functionalized hybrid then implanted into subcutaneous space nude mice for 6 weeks, regenerated tissue evaluated histological staining. PCL/PU comparable central peripheral zones, native human PDA-coated displayed superior biomechanical, structural, functional properties, creating favorable microenvironment cell survival, ECM production, regeneration. conclusion, 3D-printed polymer PDA dECM hydrogel found be substitute engineering.