Rapid fabrication of adult articular cartilage using electrospinning

Electrospinning cells, also known as cell electrospinning (CE), is a biofabrication technique that embeds living cells within a polymer solution and then uses an electric field to form nanofiber scaffolds. This creates functional, active scaffolds that mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a supportive and porous environment for cells. The main goal is to directly fabricate living, functional tissues, overcoming the limitations of traditional tissue engineering methods that involve postseeding cells onto pre-made scaffolds. The technique has advanced to the stage where CE can be performed using handheld instruments meaning cells and polymers can be sprayed directly onto damaged tissue to induce wound healing. With our discoveries in accelerating differentiation and maturation of chondrocytes this may open new pathways for rapid and effective treatments for cartilage damage and relining joints.