Creating 3D printed tissues to repair knee cartilage and bone damage
Official title: Individual cell bioprinting to generate multi-tissue type condensations for osteochondral tissue regeneration
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11036267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help heal knee injuries by using 3D printing to create better cartilage and bone tissue, which could lead to more effective and long-lasting treatments for people suffering from knee problems.
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 start | April 5, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,536 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081448-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from osteochondral defects in the knee, particularly those who have not responded well to standard surgical treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteochondral defects that are not suitable for surgical intervention or those with advanced degenerative joint disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel approach to regenerate osteochondral tissue in the knee using advanced 3D bioprinting techniques. By utilizing a cell-only bioink, the researchers aim to create precise, high-resolution structures that mimic the natural architecture of cartilage and bone. This method seeks to overcome the limitations of current surgical treatments, which often result in inferior tissue regeneration. Patients may benefit from a more effective and durable solution for knee injuries that can restore function and alleviate pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more effective treatment option for knee osteochondral defects, leading to improved healing and function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alsberg, Eben — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Alsberg, Eben
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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.