Bioengineering Full-scale auricles using 3D-printed external scaffolds and decellularized cartilage xenograft.
Acta Biomater
; 179: 121-129, 2024 04 15.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38494083
ABSTRACT
Reconstruction of the human auricle remains a formidable challenge for plastic surgeons. Autologous costal cartilage grafts and alloplastic implants are technically challenging, and aesthetic and/or tactile outcomes are frequently suboptimal. Using a small animal "bioreactor", we have bioengineered full-scale ears utilizing decellularized cartilage xenograft placed within a 3D-printed external auricular scaffold that mimics the size, shape, and biomechanical properties of the native human auricle. The full-scale polylactic acid ear scaffolds were 3D-printed based upon data acquired from 3D photogrammetry of an adult ear. Ovine costal cartilage was processed either through mincing (1 mm3) or zesting (< 0.5 mm3), and then fully decellularized and sterilized. At explantation, both the minced and zested neoears maintained the size and contour complexities of the scaffold topography with steady tissue ingrowth through 6 months in vivo. A mild inflammatory infiltrate at 3 months was replaced by homogenous fibrovascular tissue ingrowth enveloping individual cartilage pieces at 6 months. All ear constructs were pliable, and the elasticity was confirmed by biomechanical analysis. Longer-term studies of the neoears with faster degrading biomaterials will be warranted for future clinical application. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:
Accurate reconstruction of the human auricle has always been a formidable challenge to plastic surgeons. In this article, we have bioengineered full-scale ears utilizing decellularized cartilage xenograft placed within a 3D-printed external auricular scaffold that mimic the size, shape, and biomechanical properties of the native human auricle. Longer-term studies of the neoears with faster degrading biomaterials will be warranted for future clinical application.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pavilhão Auricular
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Alicerces Teciduais
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Xenoenxertos
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Impressão Tridimensional
Limite:
Animals
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Acta Biomater
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos