Biodegradable biomimetics of growth plate cartilage for the treatment of physeal injuries

A biomimetic cartilage construct comprising a 3D printed structure in-filled with a cartilage mimetic hydrogel, wherein:

• the 3D printed structure comprises an array of support pillars and at least two connecting lattice structures located at the top and base;
• the 3D printed structure is printed into a three-dimensional shape having at least about 75% of the volume of the shape configured as open area available for in-filling with the cartilage mimetic hydrogel, wherein the three-dimensional shape is configured to provide structural support against longitudinal compressive forces and to provide lateral support against transverse movement during use;
• the 3D printed structure being formed from at least one photopolymerizable material, the photopolymerizable material comprising at least one oligomeric or monomer material functionalized with at least one functionality selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate, thiol and norbornene;
• and
• the cartilage mimetic hydrogel being formed from at least one multifunctional monomer and at least one degradable cross-linker.