Provided herein is a 3D printing system and related compositions, and method of using such, that can produce a polymeric microfiber having embedded microspheres encapsulating an active agent with micron precision and high spatial and temporal resolution.

A fetal-origin decellularized nucleus pulposus (NP) allogenic material to regenerate a host's Intervertebral Disc (IVD). The decellularized NP material, obtained from a vertebrate fetus and characterized by comprising high levels of collagen 12 and 14, is used in a pharmacological composition for the treatment of IVD degeneration. The advance is based on the increased ability of the fetal decellularized NP material to stimulate the host constituent cell's to increase the expression of collagen 2 and aggrecan, promoting intrinsic IVD regeneration. A related method includes preparing the pharmaceutical compositions of fetal decellularized material in the form of fragments/microparticles and hydrogel for an injectable mode of administration. The involved material, pharmaceutical compositions and methods may be advantageously used for the prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration and back pain in human and veterinary settings.

A cartilage mimetic gel includes double network hydrogels. The double network hydrogels comprise a first crosslinked network and a second crosslinked network. The first crosslinked network can be formed from poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid). The second crosslinked network can be formed from poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-acrylamide).

Methods of making decellularized tendon matrix (DTM) and DTM hydrogels are provided. These compositions and hydrogels are useful for repairing tendon injuries and in some cases may be used by injection, arthroscopic procedures, or as adjuncts to traditional surgical repair.

To provide a collagen sponge excellent in mechanical strength and a production method for the collagen sponge. A collagen sponge including a porous construct having a pore structure, the collagen sponge having a tensile strength of 1 N or more and 5 N or less in every direction including a length direction and a width direction. The collagen sponge may be produced by a production method including the following steps: (1) a step of subjecting a collagen solution obtained by mixing collagen and a solvent to stirring and deaeration treatment; (2) a step of subjecting the collagen solution to freeze-dry treatment; and (3) a step of subjecting a dried collagen product after the freeze-dry treatment to insoluble treatment.

Cellulose-reinforced hydrogels may include a cellulose nanofiber network and an interstitial hydrogel portion within interstitial regions of the cellulose nanofiber network, the interstitial hydrogel portion comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), wherein the hydrogel component has a crystallinity of 20% or greater.

A scaffold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is for cartilage regeneration. The scaffold may include a plurality of linear nano-patterns aligned in one direction, and stem cells adhered to the plurality of linear nano-patterns. The scaffold may improve regeneration and maturity of the cartilage, thereby being effectively used in treatment of cartilage defects.

A method of treating a subject having a musculoskeletal disorder includes administering to a subject's articular site in need thereof an effective amount of a hyaluronic acid (HA) composition. In one embodiment, the HA composition includes an HA derivative, wherein carboxyl functionalities of the hyaluronic acid derivative are each independently derivatized to include an N-acylurea or O-acyl isourea, or both N-acylurea and O-acyl isourea. In another embodiment, the HA composition includes a crosslinked HA gel that is prepared by reacting an uncrosslinked HA with a biscarbodiimide in the presence of pH buffer in a range of between about 4 and about 8. The composite can optionally include at least one second bioactive agent other than the HA derivative, such as a steroid.

Artificial meniscal scaffolds characterized by a composite of circumferential polymer fiber network and orthogonal polymer fiber network embedded in an arcuate bioresorbable matrix comprised of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The orthogonal polymer fiber network prevents separation of the circumferential polymer fiber networks. The polymer fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential polymer fibers. The composite scaffold can be anchored to bone by novel anchoring components that protect the polymer fibers and ensure immediate securement of the artificial meniscal scaffold to bone.

The present invention relates to a medical implant for cartilage and/or bone repair at an articulating surface of a joint. The implant comprises a contoured implant body and at least one extending post. The implant body has an articulating surface configured to face the articulating part of the joint and a bone contact surface configured to face the bone structure of a joint, where the said articulating and bone contact surfaces face mutually opposite directions and said bone contact surface is provided with the extending post. A cartilage contact surface connects the articulating and the bone contact surfaces and is configured to contact the cartilage surrounding the implant body in a joint. The articulating surface has a layer that consists of titanium nitride (TiN) as the wear-resistant material. The cartilage contact surface has a coating that substantially consists of a material having chondrointegration properties.