Penn State researchers are experimenting with   cow cartilage to see if they can help   humans with worn out joints. Scientists at University Park say they’ve developed a method to produce larger scale tissues of cow cartilage strands. They hope to use them as a substitute for ink in the 3D bioprinting process.

   

“Our goal is to create tissue that can be used to replace large amounts of worn out tissue or design patches,” said Ibrahim T. Ozbolat, associate professor of engineering science and mechanics. “Those who have osteoarthritis in their joints suffer a lot. We need a new alternative treatment for this.”

 

Researchers say patients treated would probably have to supply their own tissues to avoid rejection.