3D-made knee meniscus scaffolds that mimic the meniscus' zones and structure
Using 3D Nonwovens Fabrication to Engineer Region-Specific Extracellular Matrix Structure and Bioactivity of the Knee Meniscus
This project makes 3D nonwoven meniscus scaffolds that copy the knee meniscus's structure and biological signals for people with meniscal tears.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create scaffolds that recreate the meniscus's overall shape and its zone-specific microstructure using a hybrid 3D Melt Blowing and Solution Blowing manufacturing process. The scaffolds will be loaded with meniscus-derived extracellular matrix (mECM) cues to encourage the right cell behavior in each zone. The team will test these implants in living models to study their long-term function and whether they prevent joint degeneration. The goal is a reproducible, physiologic-sized implant that performs like the native meniscus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with significant meniscal tears or loss who are candidates for surgical repair or replacement would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis, systemic conditions that impair healing, or very small tears that heal without surgery are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to meniscus implants that better restore knee function, lower the risk of joint degeneration, and reduce the need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Other tissue-engineered meniscus approaches have shown promise in lab and animal tests but have not yet produced widely used clinical replacements, and this specific hybrid manufacturing approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Matthew B — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Matthew B
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.