East Montgomery Times

Meniscus tears, a common knee injury, have long posed challenges for patients and medical professionals due to limited treatment options. Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania may have found a promising solution with a new 3D-printed hydrogel made from cow meniscus tissue. This innovative approach was detailed in a pre-clinical study published in Bioactive Materials.

The meniscus acts as a crucial shock absorber in the knee, and existing treatments often fail to address its complex structure effectively. The newly developed hydrogel is designed to be customizable based on the patient's age and specific tissue stiffness requirements. "We developed a hydrogel that can be adjusted based on the patient’s age and the stiffness requirements of the injured tissue," explained Su Chin Heo, PhD, senior author of the study and assistant professor at Penn's McKay Orthopaedic Research Lab.

Hydrogels are flexible materials known for their water-absorbing properties and are commonly used in products like contact lenses. In this study, researchers extracted proteins from donor cow meniscus tissue to guide new cells into becoming repair cells suitable for damaged areas. To minimize immune reactions, cellular components were removed from the cow tissue while preserving its structural framework.

The team utilized 3D-printing techniques to further customize these hydrogels according to variations in meniscus tissue. "In our animal studies, we've seen the hydrogel integrate well with surrounding tissue," noted Se-Hwan Lee, PhD, first author of the study.

Researchers are moving from small mammal studies to larger animal models with an initial focus on treating smaller localized tears before potentially expanding to more complex injuries. "Our first clinical goal will be to treat smaller, localized meniscus tears," said Heo.

The research received support from various grants including those from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation in the United States as well as South Korean institutions such as KHIDI and NRF.

For further information about this research initiative or inquiries related to this release, contact Frank Otto at 267-693-2999 or via email at Francis.Otto@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.