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-12280178-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided herein are meniscus implant compositions, as well as methods for making and using the same. The subject meniscus implants find us in repairing and/or replacing damaged or diseased meniscal tissue in a mammalian subject.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a synthetic tissue structure comprising a plurality of layers deposited by a bioprinter. Each layer includes one or more synthetic tissue fibers comprising a solidified biocompatible matrix, and within at least one fiber direction in at least one layer, the type of matrix material varies, enabling directional spatial heterogeneity in the synthetic tissue fibers.
The synthetic tissue structure further includes one or more anchor regions as regions of defined material composition that support the overall tissue structure. Additional described embodiments specify that anchor-region materials include polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyurethane (PU), combinations thereof, or one or more double network hydrogels.
In certain embodiments, zone-specific meniscus architecture is achieved by fabricating different regions such as basal, interior, and superficial regions, including red-red, red-white, and white-white analogs. Fiber diameter and orientation are used to guide collagen alignment, with circumferentially oriented and radially oriented fibers, while directional variation of matrix type or amount enables corresponding spatial variation in matrix composition, cell type and cell density, and active-agent concentration within the fiber directions.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim family coverage is centered on a layered bioprinted synthetic tissue structure with directional variation in matrix material within fibers and the inclusion of one or more anchor regions. The inventive features are primarily directed to plural-layer deposition by a bioprinter, synthetic tissue fibers with a solidified biocompatible matrix whose type varies directionally, and anchor regions as part of the structure.
Plurality of bioprinted layers with synthetic tissue fibers
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 synthetic tissue fibers
The type of matrix material varies in at least one direction within one or more synthetic tissue fibers in at least one layer.
Inclusion of one or more anchor regions
The tissue structure further comprises one or more anchor regions.
Across the independent claim scope, the central inventive concept is a multi-layer bioprinted synthetic tissue structure in which synthetic tissue fibers contain a solidified biocompatible matrix that varies in type directionally, together with one or more anchor regions as part of the structure.
Stated Advantages
Structural integrity and physiological cell viability.
Point-to-point automated control of heterogeneous composition.
Potential for endogenous ingrowth via periphery active agents.
Documented Applications
Bioprinted artificial meniscus implants for repairing or replacing damaged meniscal tissue.
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