3D cell printing to rebuild knee cartilage and bone
Individual cell bioprinting to generate multi-tissue type condensations for osteochondral tissue regeneration
This project uses 3D cell-printing to grow both cartilage and the bone beneath it for people with focal knee osteochondral defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301808 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a high-resolution 3D bioprinter that prints only living cells (no permanent scaffold) to build small cell condensations that can form both cartilage and underlying bone. They will design the printed structures so different regions develop the right cell types and mechanical properties for natural joint layers. In lab and preclinical tests they will check how well the printed tissue integrates, avoids inflammation, and withstands joint forces. The work aims to create implants or therapies that could replace damaged osteochondral tissue in the knee.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with localized osteochondral defects in the knee—for example persistent pain or dysfunction after injury or failed prior repair—are the likely candidates for future clinical applications.
Not a fit: Patients with widespread end-stage osteoarthritis, active joint infection, or those who are not surgical candidates would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that restore stronger, longer-lasting cartilage and bone repair in the knee compared with current options.
How similar studies have performed: Similar 3D bioprinting and scaffold-free cell-condensation approaches have shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies but remain largely experimental in humans.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alsberg, Eben — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Alsberg, Eben
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.