Biphasic Polymeric Shell-Core 3D Fiber Deposited Scaffolds Enhance Chondrocyte Differentiation

3D fibrous scaffolds with shell-core fiber architecture offer the possibility to create multifunctional structures. In this study, a construct that combines mechanical stability with the core polymer and optimal surface properties for cell-material interactions with the shell polymer is discussed. Scaffolds were fabricated by a rapid prototyped technique known as 3D Fiber Deposition (3DF) and used for cartilage tissue engineering. Cells maintained the typical rounded morphology of cartilage in the shell-core scaffolds, while they spread into a spindle-like shape in scaffolds fabricated with the core polymer only. Extracellular matrix production and an increase in the dynamic stiffness of the engineered construct revealed a progressive maturation of the formed tissue, suggesting that shell-core 3D scaffolds could be optimal for cartilage tissue engineering.