IIT Guwahati develops 3D bioprinted meniscus tear repair kits

Guwahati: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have developed innovative 3D bioprinted meniscus tear repair kits that could significantly improve the healing process and significantly reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

A meniscus tear is a common injury that can severely impact a person’s daily life. It can occur during day-to-day activities, such as sudden accidents or sports. A tear in the meniscus can lead to difficulty walking, running, and participating in daily activities. In some cases, the tear can also lead to osteoarthritis.

The IIT Guwahati team, in collaboration with the University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, has developed three different approaches to treating the meniscus tear. The first is an injectable hydrogel that is injected directly into the meniscus site. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can expedite the healing of smaller injuries. The second is a 3D bio-printed ink that is 3D printed into a partial or full-sized meniscus. This method has the advantage of being able to create a 3D-printed implant that is tailored to the patient’s exact specifications. The third approach is a combination of the two, which involves the 3D printing technique and the use of growth factor-loaded microspheres. This technique can promote faster meniscus healing.

“We have developed regenerative treatment approaches that would be tailored for the patient and help in rapid healing meniscus tears or replacing parts of the damaged tissue. Our problem statement also accounts for the shape and size variability of the meniscus in patients of different age groups, and is a source of growth factors for better healing,” said Prof. Biman B. Mandal, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati.

The IIT Guwahati researchers believe that the new 3D bioprinted meniscus tear repair kits could offer a personalised and cost-effective solution to this common problem. The kits could significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people who suffer from meniscus injuries.

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