Optimization of Bioink Composition for Efficient Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Chondrogenic Differentiation in an Animal Component-Free Culture

Culture of cells in three-dimension (30) allows cells to interact with their surrounding and grow in all directions and behave in a manner that is more closely associated to how they would in vivo as long as their nutrient and environmental requirements are maintained. In this context, bioprinting offers an advantage over 20 cell cultures as it allows cells to be mixed with growth factors and biomaterials that can be printed into structures that mimics the natural tissue characteristics. Cartilage repair due to trauma or disease has been proven difficult in vivo by traditional methods. Herein, we propose to develop and optimize a 30 system to improve cartilage formation in vitro, and several “bioinks” are commercially available with pro-chondrogenic activity. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) are progenitor cells able to differentiate into cartilage-making cells that can be easily extracted from a variety of tissues in the body. MSCs will be incorporated into bioinks in the presence of factors known to stimulate cartilage formation and printed into a structure that allows for evaluation of cell activity, health and extent of differentiation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ahmad Haidar;Maryam Tabrizian

Student:

Kaushar Jahan

Partner:

STEMCELL Technologies Canada Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

McGill University

Program: