Arthritis Therapy Approach Artificial cartilage tissue created using a 3D printer

With cartilage from the 3D printer for osteoarthritis
In Germany alone, around five million people suffer from osteoarthritis. The pain caused by joint wear and tear is often unbearable. US scientists are currently working on a process that could help sufferers in the future. The researchers have succeeded in producing cartilage using a 3D printer.

Artificial cartilage made
According to experts, arthrosis is the most common joint disease. Most affected are hands, knees and hips. In Germany alone, around five million people are affected. Patients usually resort to pain medication to relieve the symptoms. Heat and cold applications are also used. In addition, affected people with osteoarthritis movement and a diet that manages without meat and with little cheese. In the future, further treatment options could be available to patients: US researchers have succeeded in producing artificial cartilage using a 3D printer.

Osteoarthritis patients often resort to strong painkillers. In the future, those affected could help with alternative treatment: Researchers have succeeded in producing artificial cartilage from the 3D printer. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

Human "spare parts" from the 3D printer
A few years ago, digital medical technology was still referred to as a "science fiction method", but for some experts it has become indispensable these days. As early as 2014, doctors in the Netherlands implanted a woman with an artificial skull from the 3D printer. Meanwhile, one can produce muscles, cartilage and bones with the special devices. These were partly already implanted in animals. But even for people, the "spare parts" could soon be available.

Osteoarthritis patients have a hard time suffering
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) scientists (Pennsylvania, USA) believe that in a few years, human cartilage can be produced in the lab via a 3D printer. In a statement from the university, Ibrahim T. Ozbolat, Associate Professor of Engineering and Mechanics, explains the technical principle. "Our goal is to create tissue that can be used to replace large quantities of worn tissue," says the expert. "Those with osteoarthritis in the joints suffer a lot. We need a new alternative treatment for her. "

Not very resilient material
Although man can already breed cartilage in the Petri dish, the result is, according to Ozbolat, not a very resilient material. The scientists from Pennsylvania therefore rely on 3D printing. The team was able to show that this works - with cow cartilage. The researchers first used cartilage cells in tiny tubes, which then served as an ink. Was printed with a special nozzle, with the rows of cartilage strands can be arranged one behind the other. Subsequently, the tissue landed in a nutrient solution to cure. "We can make the strands of any length we want," Ozbolat said.

Further research with cow cartilage
Although the artificial cow cartilage is "very similar" to the model, it is far from perfect. In humans, the question arises as to which starting material could be used to form the artificial cartilage. It is conceivable to take removed cartilage samples or else stem cells which differentiate into cartilage cells. At present, it can not be said when the technique is ready for human clinical trials. The team around Ozbolat wants to continue experimenting with the cow cartilage. (Ad)