Sustained-Drug-Release, Strong, and Anti-Swelling Water-Lipid Biphasic Hydrogels Prepared via Digital Light Processing 3D Printing for Protection against Osteoarthritis: Demonstration in a Porcine Model

Osteoarthritis is a serious disease affecting joint cartilage. Owing to poor blood supply, the meniscus and acetabular labrum of joints heal poorly after injury. However, the development of artificial alternatives to these components that have similar mechanical properties and cartilage-protection ability is challenging. In this study, a strong hydrogel with a biomimetic microstructure is prepared with an emulsion-type photosensitive resin, where both hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, photo-initiator, and drugs can be adopted. In this system, the hydrophobic monomer forms uniformly dispersed aggregates after curing, improving the mechanical properties of the hydrogel significantly. Furthermore, the coordination bonds between nontoxic Zr4+ cations and sulfonic acid groups prevent hydrogel swelling. In addition, the water-oil biphasic hydrogel ink enables the loading of water- and lipid-soluble drugs, yielding hydrogel scaffolds with sustained dual-drug release ability. Crucially, hydrogel scaffolds having excellent mechanical properties, low swelling, and sustained biphasic drug release ability can be prepared using digital light processing 3D printing technology, owing to the high curing rate of the hydrophobic photo-initiator. These hydrogel scaffolds are applied as meniscal and labral replacements in a porcine model and show great promise for the prevention of secondary osteoarthritis, demonstrating the broad potential clinical applications of this material.

Automated summary

This study developed a strong hydrogel with a biomimetic microstructure, which was prepared using digital light processing 3D printing technology and showed excellent mechanical properties, low swelling, and sustained biphasic drug release ability. These hydrogel scaffolds were used as meniscal and labral replacements in a porcine model, demonstrating great potential for preventing secondary osteoarthritis.