Bioprinted meniscus implant and methods of using same
Inventors
WADSWORTH, Sam • BEYER, Simon • Mohamed, Tamer • WALUS, Konrad
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11744919-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided herein are meniscus implant compositions, as well as method for making and using the same. The subject meniscus implants find use in repairing and/or replacing damaged or diseased meniscal tissue in a mammalian subject.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a synthetic tissue structure comprising a plurality of layers deposited by a bioprinter, where each layer includes one or more synthetic tissue fibers comprising a solidified biocompatible matrix. The type of matrix material varies in at least one direction within the synthetic tissue fibers in at least one layer, creating a zonal and directional architecture within the printed structure.
Within the fibers and/or layers, the matrix composition is varied directionally, and the directional variation can additionally include variation in cell type and/or cell density and variation in active-agent type and/or amount. Reinforced peripheral regions are incorporated into the synthetic tissue structure to provide reinforcement.
The disclosure includes zonal architecture corresponding to basal/interior/superficial zones and analogs, and fiber orientation concepts intended to direct collagen alignment through circumferential, radial, or random fiber orientation, with modulation of fiber diameter. Optional acellular sheaths can be included, and the described materials for solidified biocompatible matrices include alginate and other exemplified biomaterials, with higher-strength materials for reinforcement including PCL, PLGA, and PU, and an option of double network hydrogels generated by combining at least two hydrogel materials.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a bioprinted synthetic tissue structure built from multiple layers and synthetic tissue fibers with solidified biocompatible matrices whose material type varies directionally within the fibers in at least one layer, together with one or more reinforced peripheral regions. The dependent claims refine the structure by adding directional variation of cells and/or active agents and by specifying peripheral reinforcement architectures and exemplary material sets for the solidified biocompatible matrix and higher-strength reinforcement materials.
Layered bioprinted synthetic tissue fibers with solidified biocompatible matrix
A synthetic tissue structure comprising a plurality of layers deposited by a bioprinter, each layer comprising one or more synthetic tissue fibers comprising a solidified biocompatible matrix.
Directional variation of matrix material type within fibers
The type of matrix material varies in at least one direction within one or more synthetic tissue fibers in at least one layer.
Reinforced peripheral regions
The tissue structure further comprises one or more reinforced peripheral regions.
Directional variation of cell type and/or cell density in fibers
At least one layer includes a cell type and/or a cell density that varies in at least one direction within the one or more synthetic tissue fibers.
Directional variation of active agents type and/or amount in fibers
At least one layer includes one or more active agents that vary in type and/or amount in at least one direction within the one or more synthetic tissue fibers.
Alternating higher-strength and cell-survival/ingrowth-conducive softer matrix in reinforced peripheral regions
Reinforced peripheral regions comprise one or more layers of higher strength material(s) deposited in alternation with one or more layers of softer matrix materials, where the softer matrix materials comprise materials conducive to cell survival and ingrowth.
Higher-strength peripheral materials including PCL, PLGA, PU, or double network hydrogels
Layers of higher strength materials are comprised of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyurethane (PU), any combination thereof, or one or more double network hydrogels generated by combining at least two different hydrogel materials.
Overall claim coverage centers on a multizone, layered bioprinted synthetic tissue structure with synthetic tissue fibers containing a solidified biocompatible matrix, where the matrix material type varies directionally within the fibers, and where reinforced peripheral regions are provided. Dependent claims further cover directional variation in cell type and/or cell density and in active agents type/amount, and define peripheral reinforcement using alternating higher-strength and softer, cell-survival/ingrowth-conducive matrix materials, including specified reinforcement materials and double-network hydrogel options.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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