3D Printing of Multiscale Biomimetic Scaffold for Tendon Regeneration

Abstract

Multi-scale scaffolds with biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) structures are crucial for regenerative repair. Nevertheless, the intricate nature of nanostructures presents challenges when attempting to efficiently manufacture on a larger scale while maintaining bionics at the nanoscale. Here, a multiscale scaffold with hierarchical structures is designed to address these challenges, which can be biomimetic tendons from macro and micro to nanoscale. The multiscale biomimetic tendon (MBT) scaffold consists of a shell and core. The porous shell replicates the structure of a tendon sheath, offers mechanical support, and facilitates ease of sewing. The core scaffold comprises micro-scale wave fibers with a nanohybrid Shish-Kebab structure, designed to mimic the collagen fiber and fibril found in tendons. Additionally, the MBT scaffold demonstrates a strong tensile strength of 6.94 MPa and is shown to enhance the adhesion and proliferation of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs). Animal experiments have shown that the MBT scaffold can be surgically sutured in the tendon defect area to facilitate mechanical transduction and accelerate the regeneration of tendon tissue. The research combines the precise manufacturing of nano-structures with efficient macro-structure fabrication. It addresses the shortcomings of the disorder nanostructures and offers a fresh approach to creating multi-scale bionic scaffolds.