3D printing multifunctional devices without internal interfaces for cartilage repair

The aim is to create future manufacturing technology of the first inorganic-organic hybrid “inks” that can be 3D printed into complex architectures via rapid 3D vat stereolithography (SLA); to produce devices with composition, pore, and stiffness gradients and with no internal interfaces (visible joins). A lead application is osteochondral (bone/cartilage interface) regeneration where there is unmet clinical need for new medical devices and therapies to meet clinical demands to 2050 and beyond. Such a device needs three zones: a bearing surface; cartilage regeneration and bone integration zones, each with specific features . Sol-gel hybrids consist of inorganic and organic co-networks that enable bottom-up design across the length scales.

The role of UoP in this grant. which is led by Imperial College, is to investigate the tissue response of the 3D printed scaffold.