Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGBIn the EU-funded TriAnkle project, partners from research, biomedicine, sports, and orthopedics are developing personalized 3D bioprinted biomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage and tendon injuries in the ankle joint.
TriAnkle – 3D Bioprinted Personalized Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration of the Ankle Joint
Modell eines Sprunggelenks mit Knorpel, Sehnen und Bändern
Challenges
Cartilage and tendon injuries of the ankle joint often heal incompletely, resulting in long rehabilitation times and persistent functional limitations.
Objectives and results
TriAnkle combines patient‑specific design with advanced 3D bioprinting. Collagen‑ and gelatine‑based scaffolds are functionalized with cells and/or nano‑encapsulated growth factors. Imaging‑guided design ensures implants precisely match the individual defect geometry.
Impact and outlook
Preclinical validation in rat and sheep models demonstrates significantly improved tissue regeneration and functional recovery. TriAnkle thus paves the way towards personalized regenerative therapies for musculoskeletal injuries.
Publications
As part of the project, several scientific publications were published in international journals (including the International Journal of Bioprinting, Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology) as well as conference papers on 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine.
These are available on the official TriAnkle website.
Videos
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19.01.2026 | The results of the European project TriAnkle consolidate it as an effective therapy for osteoarthritis and tendinopathic patient.
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04.02.2025 | TriAnkle is a European-funded project that is developing personalised 3D-printed collagen and gelatin-based implants for tendon and cartilage repair, being a promising solution for the treatment of these injuries.
Privacy warning
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17.12.2024 | TriAnkle is a European Project that works on innovative personalised collagen- and gelatine-based implants manufactured with 3D technology for patients with tendinopathies such as Achilles tendon partial ruptures and cartilage injuries.
Project information
Project title
TriAnkle – 3D bioprinted personalised scaffolds for tissue regeneration of the ankle joint
Project period
July 2021 – June 2025
Project partners
- VISCOFAN SA, Cáseda, Spain (Coordination)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Interfacial Process Engineering and Plasma Technology (IGVP), University of Stuttgart, Germany
- CELLINK (BICO), Sweden
- Fundacio Clinic Barcelona, Spain
- LEITAT Technological Center, Spain
- Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Netherlands
- FC Barcelona Innovation Hub, Spain
- OAFI (Osteoarthritis Foundation International), Spain
- CNT, United Kingdom
- Gradocell, Spain
Funding
TheTriAnkle project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 952981.
