Biofabrication approaches to fabricating gradients and interfaces in osteochondral tissue engineering

Abstract

Osteochondral tissue represents a complex biochemical and biophysical gradient between two distinctly different types of tissue. Its poor regeneration capabilities necessitate tissue engineering intervention; however, its complex structure and composition pose an immense engineering challenge. Though bone and cartilage engineering separately have seen success, fabricating the graded interface between these two dissimilar tissue types requires understanding and collaboration between multiple often-disunited disciplines. This review showcases innovative tissue engineering strategies utilised for fabrication of osteochondral interfaces in an attempt to bridge this gap, and highlights the potential of biofabrication techniques – namely 3D bioprinting – in providing a path towards future advancement in osteochondral and interfacial tissue engineering.