Biological tissues are complex materials where the spatial arrangement of multiple components (i.e., extracellular matrix, cells) is tightly linked to their function. For example, osteochondral tissues contain discrete biochemical and physical gradients across the bone-cartilage interface that are critical for functional load transfer in our articulating joints. Our lab is focused on strategies to fabricate biomaterials with spatially tunable biochemical and physical properties to engineer tissues with native-like organization. To achieve this, we have developed a versatile approach using end-functionalized polymer conjugates that enable us to
independently control surface chemistry, scaffold architecture, and scaffold stiffness. Functional groups become displayed on the surface during fabrication, eliminating the need for post-processing modification steps. Multiple chemistries can therefore be spatially presented by using multiple printer heads during a single 3D printing session. In parallel, we can independently and simultaneously control scaffold architecture and stiffness by changing print patterns and polymer molecular weight ratios, respectively. This seminar will describe our platform and how we are developing 3D-printed materials to guide tissue regeneration for
complex tissues like the osteochondral interface.