Development of scaffolds based on natural materials for tendon tissue regeneration

Tendon injuries represent a clinical burden on health systems globally. 3D bioprinting could help for the development of scaffolds whose characteristics resemble those of the native tendon. In this study, an ink based on natural materials was developed for tendon tissue regeneration. That ink was characterized and used to print scaffolds by 3D printing. Swelling and degradation rate assays were performed to predict the possible behaviour of the scaffolds in vivo. Finally, tenocytes were incorporated into the inks and 3D bioprinted. The viability and metabolic activity of tenocytes in the scaffold were analyzed.