I recently contributed an article to Ionic Magazine, a bold project that brings together science and visual arts. The current issue of the magazine focusses on 3D printing; my article is about the application of this successful technology to regenerative medicine. The version published here differs very slightly from the official one, the main difference being the addition of a couple of references… and the absence of a beautiful illustration! Read on, and have a look at the magazine’s website as well as at the whole issue on 3D printing – it is absolutely worth a visit.

An interdisciplinary collaboration bringing together specialists in orthopaedic surgery, sports science and veterinary medicine have recently demonstrated knee tissue regeneration using carefully engineered, 3D-printed sheep menisci (1).

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped structure in the knee that provides us with crucial functions such as correct weight distribution and reduced friction in the…