Composite scaffolds can improve regenerative capacities of scaffolds in various tissue-engineering approaches. In order to generate a 3D printable scaffold that is capable of cartilage regeneration, decellularized extracellular matrix (DECM) of porcine nasal cartilage was added to 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. Subsequently, scaffolds (PCL, PCL/DECM and DECM) were seeded with human primary nasoseptal chondrocytes and differentiated with cartilage inductive medium for up to 42 days in vitro. Afterwards samples were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, histology, biochemical assays and gene expression analysis. In short, results showed cell attachment and proliferation on all scaffolds. There was a trend towards ossification on pure PCL scaffolds, whereas we found evidence for cartilage tissue formation on DECM scaffolds as well as on PCL/DECM scaffolds. Moreover, biochemical analysis indicated an enhanced differentiation on novel PCL/DECM scaffolds. In conclusion, the addition of DECM to 3D printable PCL scaffolds may yield a new composite material for regenerative approaches in cartilage for facial reconstructive surgery. Further research will be necessary to evaluate these findings in vivo.

中文翻译：

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猪鼻软骨的脱细胞细胞外基质的添加提高了PCL基支架在体外的软骨再生能力。

复合支架可以在各种组织工程方法中提高支架的再生能力。为了产生能够软骨再生的3D可印刷支架，将猪鼻软骨的脱细胞的细胞外基质（DECM）添加到3D印刷的聚己内酯（PCL）支架中。随后，在支架上（PCL，PCL / DECM和DECM）接种人原代鼻中隔软骨细胞，并在体外诱导软骨诱导培养基分化长达42天。之后，样品用扫描电子显微镜，组织学，生化分析和基因表达分析进行分析。简而言之，结果显示所有支架上的细胞附着和增殖。纯PCL支架存在骨化的趋势，而我们发现了在DECM支架以及PCL / DECM支架上形成软骨组织的证据。此外，生化分析表明新型PCL / DECM支架的分化增强。总之，在3D可打印PCL支架中添加DECM可能会产生一种用于面部重建手术的软骨再生方法的新复合材料。有必要进行进一步的研究以评估体内这些发现。