Chondroregenerative 3D-Printed Bioinspired Temporomandibular Joint Disc Prosthesis

Current prosthetic materials for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement face limitations such as insufficient mechanical strength, inability to promote cartilage regeneration, and failure to replicate natural anatomical morphology. In this study, we developed a novel disc prosthesis material capable of addressing these limitations. This study first selected 3D-printable hydrogel components, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate(HEMA) and pHEMA, to synthesize hydrogel matrices by determining their optimal weight ratio through mechanical and rheological testing. Subsequently,TGF-β1-loaded liposomes (TGF-β1@Lipo) were prepared via thin-film hydration, and their incorporation ratio into the hydrogel matrix was optimized using tribological experiments. Finally, a 3D-printed TGF-β1@Lipo pHEMA hydrogel was fabricated. The physicochemical properties of TGF-β1@Lipo and the hydrogel were characterized using SEM, AFM, FTIR, XPS, and XRD. The encapsulation efficiency and sustained release profile of TGF-β1 were quantified via ELISA. Biocompatibility and chondrogenic potential were validated through CCK-8 assays and live/dead staining. The hydrogel with two distinct weight ratios successfully mimicked the mechanical properties of the intermediate band versus the anterior/posterior bands of the native TMJ disc. Patient-specific hydrogel prostheses were 3D-printed to precisely replicate individual anatomical structures. The incorporated TGF-β1@Lipo restored natural joint lubrication and promoted cartilage regeneration via sustained growth factor release. We developed a 3D-printed hydrogel TMJ disc prosthesis that replicates anatomical morphology, biomechanics, lubrication, and regenerative functions, offering a reliable novel alternative for clinical treatment of TMJ disorders.