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1.
Ann Transplant ; 29: e943387, 2024 Jun 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38831572

Despite continuous and rapid progress in the transplantation of cells, tissues, and organs, many patients die before receiving them. This is because of an insufficient number of donors, which leads to a significant disproportion between the need for donors and their availability. This review aims to present the possibilities offered by alternative therapies. We use the term "functional transplantology" to describe such alternative methods of transplantation that could help change the current state of transplantation medicine. Its purpose is not to replace a defective or removed organ with another but to replace its functions using complementary biological, mechanical, or biomechanical structures or devices. Implementation of many innovative solutions shown in the work for clinical applications is already a fact. In the case of others, it should be considered a future vision. We hope that the role of a defective or damaged tissue or a group of tissues will be taken over by different structures that are functionally complementary with the organ being substituted. Undoubtedly, developing the described methods based on functional transplantology will change the face of transplantation medicine. Thus, we show current trends and new directions of thinking and actions in transplantation medicine that combine technology and transplantology. The review considers the latest technologies, including 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology, cell encapsulation, and organoids. We discuss not only the advantages of new approaches but also the limitations and challenges that must be overcome to achieve significant progress in transplantation. That is the only option to provide a safe and efficient way of improving the quality of life of many patients.


Organ Transplantation , Humans , Organ Transplantation/methods , Organ Transplantation/trends , Complementary Therapies/methods , Tissue Engineering/methods , Nanotechnology/methods , Bioprinting/methods , Printing, Three-Dimensional
2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 12945, 2024 06 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38839791

Extrusion-based bioprinting is an established method in biofabrication. Suitable bioinks have fundamentally different compositions and characteristics, which should be examined, in order to find a perfect model system. Here, we investigate the effect of two alginate-based, yet unalike 3D-printed bioinks, pre-crosslinked alginate-dialdehyde gelatin (ADA-GEL) and a mixture of alginate, hyaluronic acid, and gelatin (Alg/HA/Gel), on the melanoma cell line Mel Im and vice versa in terms of stiffness, shrinkage, cellular behavior and colony formation over 15 days. Rheological stiffness measurements revealed two soft gels with similar storage moduli. The cells did not have a significant impact on the overall stiffness, whereas ADA-GEL (2.5/2.5%) was significantly stiffer than Alg/HA/Gel (0.5/0.1/3%). Regarding the shrinkage of printed constructs, cells had a significant influence, especially in ADA-GEL, which has covalent bonds between the oxidized alginate and gelatin. Multi-photon microscopy exhibited proliferation, cell spreading and migration in ADA-GEL with cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, dissimilarly to Alg/HA/Gel, in which cells formed spherical, encapsulated colonies. Scanning electron microscopy and histology showed degradation and multi-layered growth on ADA-GEL and fewer examples of escaped cells on Alg/HA/Gel. Both gels serve as proliferation bioink for melanoma with more necrosis in deeper Alg/HA/Gel colonies and differences in spreading and matrix interaction. These findings show the importance of proper characterization of the bioinks for different applications.


Alginates , Bioprinting , Cell Proliferation , Gelatin , Melanoma , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Alginates/chemistry , Melanoma/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Gelatin/chemistry , Bioprinting/methods , Humans , Ink , Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry , Rheology , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Tissue Engineering/methods
3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 12670, 2024 06 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38830883

Gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) is a highly adaptable biomaterial extensively utilized in skin regeneration applications. However, it is frequently imperative to enhance its physical and biological qualities by including supplementary substances in its composition. The purpose of this study was to fabricate and characterize a bi-layered GelMA-gelatin scaffold using 3D bioprinting. The upper section of the scaffold was encompassed with keratinocytes to simulate the epidermis, while the lower section included fibroblasts and HUVEC cells to mimic the dermis. A further step involved the addition of amniotic membrane extract (AME) to the scaffold in order to promote angiogenesis. The incorporation of gelatin into GelMA was found to enhance its stability and mechanical qualities. While the Alamar blue test demonstrated that a high concentration of GelMA (20%) resulted in a decrease in cell viability, the live/dead cell staining revealed that incorporation of AME increased the quantity of viable HUVECs. Further, gelatin upregulated the expression of KRT10 in keratinocytes and VIM in fibroblasts. Additionally, the histological staining results demonstrated the formation of well-defined skin layers and the creation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in GelMA/gelatin hydrogels during a 14-day culture period. Our study showed that a 3D-bioprinted composite scaffold comprising GelMA, gelatin, and AME can be used to regenerate skin tissues.


Amnion , Bioprinting , Fibroblasts , Gelatin , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Keratinocytes , Tissue Engineering , Tissue Scaffolds , Keratinocytes/drug effects , Keratinocytes/cytology , Keratinocytes/metabolism , Gelatin/chemistry , Humans , Tissue Engineering/methods , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Fibroblasts/cytology , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Amnion/cytology , Amnion/metabolism , Amnion/chemistry , Bioprinting/methods , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Skin/metabolism , Skin/cytology , Methacrylates/chemistry , Cell Survival/drug effects , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Endothelial Cells/cytology
4.
Int J Oral Sci ; 16(1): 37, 2024 May 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734663

Emerging regenerative cell therapies for alveolar bone loss have begun to explore the use of cell laden hydrogels for minimally invasive surgery to treat small and spatially complex maxilla-oral defects. However, the oral cavity presents a unique and challenging environment for in vivo bone tissue engineering, exhibiting both hard and soft periodontal tissue as well as acting as key biocenosis for many distinct microbial communities that interact with both the external environment and internal body systems, which will impact on cell fate and subsequent treatment efficacy. Herein, we design and bioprint a facile 3D in vitro model of a human dentine interface to probe the effect of the dentine surface on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) encapsulated in a microporous hydrogel bioink. We demonstrate that the dentine substrate induces osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated hMSCs, and that both dentine and ß-tricalcium phosphate substrates stimulate extracellular matrix production and maturation at the gel-media interface, which is distal to the gel-substrate interface. Our findings demonstrate the potential for long-range effects on stem cells by mineralized surfaces during bone tissue engineering and provide a framework for the rapid development of 3D dentine-bone interface models.


Cell Differentiation , Dentin , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Osteogenesis , Tissue Engineering , Humans , Osteogenesis/physiology , Tissue Engineering/methods , Calcium Phosphates , Hydrogels , In Vitro Techniques , Bioprinting , Tissue Scaffolds , Surface Properties , Extracellular Matrix , Cells, Cultured
5.
J Vis Exp ; (207)2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38767380

Embedded three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting utilizing a granular hydrogel supporting bath has emerged as a critical technique for creating biomimetic scaffolds. However, engineering a suitable gel suspension medium that balances precise bioink deposition with cell viability and function presents multiple challenges, particularly in achieving the desired viscoelastic properties. Here, a novel κ-carrageenan gel supporting bath is fabricated through an easy-to-operate mechanical grinding process, producing homogeneous sub-microscale particles. These sub-microgels exhibit typical Bingham flow behavior with small yield stress and rapid shear-thinning properties, which facilitate the smooth deposition of bioinks. Moreover, the reversible gel-sol transition and self-healing capabilities of the κ-carrageenan microgel network ensure the structural integrity of printed constructs, enabling the creation of complex, multi-layered tissue structures with defined architectural features. Post-printing, the κ-carrageenan sub-microgels can be easily removed by a simple phosphate-buffered saline wash. Further bioprinting with cell-laden bioinks demonstrates that cells within the biomimetic constructs have a high viability of 92% and quickly extend pseudopodia, as well as maintain robust proliferation, indicating the potential of this bioprinting strategy for tissue and organ fabrication. In summary, this novel κ-carrageenan sub-microgel medium emerges as a promising avenue for embedded bioprinting of exceptional quality, bearing profound implications for the in vitro development of engineered tissues and organs.


Bioprinting , Carrageenan , Carrageenan/chemistry , Bioprinting/methods , Microgels/chemistry , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Tissue Engineering/methods , Hydrogels/chemistry , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Animals , Humans
6.
Biofabrication ; 16(3)2024 May 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38697093

Organoids have emerged as crucial platforms in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine but confront challenges in faithfully mimicking native tissue structures and functions. Bioprinting technologies offer a significant advancement, especially when combined with organoid bioinks-engineered formulations designed to encapsulate both the architectural and functional elements of specific tissues. This review provides a rigorous, focused examination of the evolution and impact of organoid bioprinting. It emphasizes the role of organoid bioinks that integrate key cellular components and microenvironmental cues to more accurately replicate native tissue complexity. Furthermore, this review anticipates a transformative landscape invigorated by the integration of artificial intelligence with bioprinting techniques. Such fusion promises to refine organoid bioink formulations and optimize bioprinting parameters, thus catalyzing unprecedented advancements in regenerative medicine. In summary, this review accentuates the pivotal role and transformative potential of organoid bioinks and bioprinting in advancing regenerative therapies, deepening our understanding of organ development, and clarifying disease mechanisms.


Bioprinting , Organoids , Regenerative Medicine , Tissue Engineering , Organoids/cytology , Humans , Bioprinting/methods , Tissue Engineering/methods , Animals , Regenerative Medicine/methods , Ink
7.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 11003, 2024 05 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38744985

The future of organ and tissue biofabrication strongly relies on 3D bioprinting technologies. However, maintaining sterility remains a critical issue regardless of the technology used. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when the volume of bioprinted objects approaches organ dimensions. Here, we introduce a novel device called the Flexible Unique Generator Unit (FUGU), which is a unique combination of flexible silicone membranes and solid components made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the solid components can also be made of 3D printed medical-grade polycarbonate. The FUGU is designed to support micro-extrusion needle insertion and removal, internal volume adjustment, and fluid management. The FUGU was assessed in various environments, ranging from custom-built basic cartesian to sophisticated 6-axis robotic arm bioprinters, demonstrating its compatibility, flexibility, and universality across different bioprinting platforms. Sterility assays conducted under various infection scenarios highlight the FUGU's ability to physically protect the internal volume against contaminations, thereby ensuring the integrity of the bioprinted constructs. The FUGU also enabled bioprinting and cultivation of a 14.5 cm3 human colorectal cancer tissue model within a completely confined and sterile environment, while allowing for the exchange of gases with the external environment. This FUGU system represents a significant advancement in 3D bioprinting and biofabrication, paving the path toward the sterile production of implantable tissues and organs.


Bioprinting , Bioreactors , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Bioprinting/methods , Humans , Tissue Engineering/methods , Sterilization , Tissue Scaffolds
8.
Adv Colloid Interface Sci ; 328: 103163, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38749384

Repairing and regenerating damaged tissues or organs, and restoring their functioning has been the ultimate aim of medical innovations. 'Reviving healthcare' blends tissue engineering with alternative techniques such as hydrogels, which have emerged as vital tools in modern medicine. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a practical manufacturing revolution that uses building strategies like molding as a viable solution for precise hydrogel manufacturing. Recent advances in this technology have led to the successful manufacturing of hydrogels with enhanced reproducibility, accuracy, precision, and ease of fabrication. Hydrogels continue to metamorphose as the vital compatible bio-ink matrix for AM. AM hydrogels have paved the way for complex 3D/4D hydrogels that can be loaded with drugs or cells. Bio-mimicking 3D cell cultures designed via hydrogel-based AM is a groundbreaking in-vivo assessment tool in biomedical trials. This brief review focuses on preparations and applications of additively manufactured hydrogels in the biomedical spectrum, such as targeted drug delivery, 3D-cell culture, numerous regenerative strategies, biosensing, bioprinting, and cancer therapies. Prevalent AM techniques like extrusion, inkjet, digital light processing, and stereo-lithography have been explored with their setup and methodology to yield functional hydrogels. The perspectives, limitations, and the possible prospects of AM hydrogels have been critically examined in this study.


Hydrogels , Tissue Engineering , Hydrogels/chemistry , Humans , Tissue Engineering/methods , Bioprinting/methods , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Animals , Drug Delivery Systems , Cell Culture Techniques , Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional/methods
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 Apr 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731971

Tendinopathy, characterized by inflammatory and degenerative changes, presents challenges in sports and medicine. In addressing the limitations of conservative management, this study focuses on developing tendon grafts using extrusion bioprinting with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-infused hydrogels loaded with tendon cells. The objective is to understand paracrine interactions initiated by bioprinted tendon grafts in either inflamed or non-inflamed host tissues. PRP was utilized to functionalize methacrylate gelatin (GelMA), incorporating tendon cells for graft bioprinting. Bioinformatic analyses of overexpressed proteins, predictive of functional enrichment, revealed insights into PRP graft behavior in both non-inflamed and inflamed environments. PRP grafts activated inflammatory pathways, including Interleukin 17 (IL-17), neuroinflammation, Interleukin 33 (IL-33), and chemokine signaling. Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b) in the graft environment triggered p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) canonical pathway, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) signaling. Biological enrichment attributed to PRP grafts included cell chemotaxis, collagen turnover, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Acellular PRP grafts differed from nude grafts in promoting vessel length, vessel area, and junction density. Angiogenesis in cellular grafts was enhanced with newly synthesized Interleukin 8 (IL-8) in cooperation with IL-1b. In conclusion, paracrine signaling from PRP grafts, mediated by chemokine activities, influences cell migration, inflammation, and angiogenic status in host tissues. Under inflammatory conditions, newly synthesized IL-8 regulates vascularization in collaboration with PRP.


Bioprinting , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Tendons , Tendons/metabolism , Bioprinting/methods , Animals , Platelet-Rich Plasma/metabolism , Humans , Tissue Engineering/methods , Hydrogels/chemistry , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Tendinopathy/metabolism , Tendinopathy/therapy , Tendinopathy/pathology
10.
Biomater Adv ; 161: 213885, 2024 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38743993

Essential organs, such as the heart and liver, contain a unique porous network that allows oxygen and nutrients to be exchanged, with distinct random to ordered regions displaying varying degrees of strength. A novel technique, referred to here as flow-induced lithography, was developed. This technique generates tunable anisotropic three-dimensional (3D) structures. The ink for this bioprinting technique was made of titanium dioxide nanorods (Ti) and kaolinite nanoclay (KLT) dispersed in a GelMA/PEGDA polymeric suspension. By controlling the flow rate, aligned particle microstructures were achieved in the suspensions. The application of UV light to trigger the polymerization of the photoactive prepolymer freezes the oriented particles in the polymer network. Because the viability test was successful in shearing suspensions containing cells, the flow-induced lithography technique can be used with both acellular scaffolds and cell-laden structures. Fabricated hydrogels show outstanding mechanical properties resembling human tissues, as well as significant cell viability (> 95 %) over one week. As a result of this technique and the introduction of bio-ink, a novel approach has been pioneered for developing anisotropic tissue implants utilizing low-viscosity biomaterials.


Hydrogels , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Stereolithography , Tissue Scaffolds , Hydrogels/chemistry , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Anisotropy , Humans , Titanium/chemistry , Tissue Engineering/methods , Cell Survival , Bioprinting/methods
11.
Biomaterials ; 309: 122600, 2024 Sep.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38718614

Engineering vascularized tissues remains a promising approach for treating ischemic cardiovascular diseases. The availability of 3D-bioprinted vascular grafts that induce therapeutic angiogenesis can help avoid necrosis and excision of ischemic tissues. Here, using a combination of living cells and biodegradable hydrogels, we fabricated 3D-printed biocompatible proangiogenic patches from endothelial cell-laden photo-crosslinked gelatin (EC-PCG) bioink and smooth muscle cell-encapsulated polyurethane (SMC-PU) bioink. Implantation of 3D-bioprinted proangiogenic patches in a mouse model showed that EC-PCG served as an angiogenic capillary bed, whereas patterned SMC-PU increased the density of microvessels. Moreover, the assembled patterns between EC-PCG and SMC-PU induced the geometrically guided generation of microvessels with blood perfusion. In a rodent model of hindlimb ischemia, the vascular patches rescued blood flow to distal tissues, prevented toe/foot necrosis, promoted muscle remodeling, and increased the capillary density, thereby improving the heat-escape behavior of ischemic animals. Thus, our 3D-printed vascular cell-laden bioinks constitute efficient and scalable biomaterials that facilitate the engineering of vascular patches capable of directing therapeutic angiogenesis for treating ischemic vascular diseases.


Gelatin , Hydrogels , Ischemia , Neovascularization, Physiologic , Polyurethanes , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Animals , Gelatin/chemistry , Polyurethanes/chemistry , Hydrogels/chemistry , Ischemia/therapy , Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects , Mice , Humans , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology , Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Hindlimb/blood supply , Hindlimb/pathology , Male , Tissue Engineering/methods , Bioprinting/methods
12.
Biofabrication ; 16(3)2024 May 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38749419

Advances in digital light projection(DLP) based (bio) printers have made printing of intricate structures at high resolution possible using a wide range of photosensitive bioinks. A typical setup of a DLP bioprinter includes a vat or reservoir filled with liquid bioink, which presents challenges in terms of cost associated with bioink synthesis, high waste, and gravity-induced cell settling, contaminations, or variation in bioink viscosity during the printing process. Here, we report a vat-free, low-volume, waste-free droplet bioprinting method capable of rapidly printing 3D soft structures at high resolution using model bioinks and model cells. A multiphase many-body dissipative particle dynamics model was developed to simulate the dynamic process of droplet-based DLP printing and elucidate the roles of surface wettability and bioink viscosity. Process variables such as light intensity, photo-initiator concentration, and bioink formulations were optimized to print 3D soft structures (∼0.4-3 kPa) with a typical layer thickness of 50µm, an XY resolution of 38 ± 1.5µm and Z resolution of 237 ± 5.4µm. To demonstrate its versatility, droplet bioprinting was used to print a range of acellular 3D structures such as a lattice cube, a Mayan pyramid, a heart-shaped structure, and a microfluidic chip with endothelialized channels. Droplet bioprinting, performed using model C3H/10T1/2 cells, exhibited high viability (90%) and cell spreading. Additionally, microfluidic devices with internal channel networks lined with endothelial cells showed robust monolayer formation while osteoblast-laden constructs showed mineral deposition upon osteogenic induction. Overall, droplet bioprinting could be a low-cost, no-waste, easy-to-use, method to make customized bioprinted constructs for a range of biomedical applications.


Bioprinting , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Bioprinting/methods , Humans , Ink , Viscosity , Tissue Engineering/methods , Animals , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Mice , Wettability , Cell Survival
13.
Jt Dis Relat Surg ; 35(2): 361-367, 2024 Mar 21.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727116

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the radiological, biomechanical, and histopathological results of microfracture treatment and osteochondral damage repair treatment with a new scaffold product produced by the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting method containing gelatin-hyaluronic acid-alginate in rabbits with osteochondral damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new 3D bioprinted scaffold consisting of gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and alginate designed by us was implanted into the osteochondral defect created in the femoral trochlea of 10 rabbits. By randomization, it was determined which side of 10 rabbits would be repaired with a 3D bioprinted scaffold, and microfracture treatment was applied to the other knees of the rabbits. After six months of follow-up, the rabbits were sacrificed. The results of both treatment groups were compared radiologically, biomechanically, and histopathologically. RESULTS: None of the rabbits experienced any complications. The magnetic resonance imaging evaluation showed that all osteochondral defect areas were integrated with healthy cartilage in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the biomechanical load test (p=0.579). No statistically significant difference was detected in the histological examination using the modified Wakitani scores (p=0.731). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that 3D bioprinted scaffolds exhibited comparable radiological, biomechanical, and histological properties to the conventional microfracture technique for osteochondral defect treatment.


Alginates , Bioprinting , Cartilage, Articular , Gelatin , Hyaluronic Acid , Knee Joint , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Tissue Scaffolds , Animals , Rabbits , Alginates/chemistry , Gelatin/chemistry , Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry , Hyaluronic Acid/therapeutic use , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Cartilage, Articular/pathology , Cartilage, Articular/injuries , Cartilage, Articular/surgery , Knee Joint/surgery , Knee Joint/pathology , Bioprinting/methods , Disease Models, Animal , Biomechanical Phenomena , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Arthroplasty, Subchondral/methods
14.
Biofabrication ; 16(3)2024 Jun 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38810618

The evaluation of anti-tumor drugs is critical for their development and clinical guidance. Tumor organoid models are gaining increased attention due to their ability to better mimic real tumor tissues, as well as lower time and economic costs, which makes up for the shortcomings of cell lines and xenograft models. However, current tumor organoid cultures based on the Matrigel have limitations in matching with high-throughput engineering methods due to slow gelation and low mechanical strength. Here, we present a novel composite bioink for culturing colorectal cancer organoids that provides an environment close to real tissue growth conditions and exhibits excellent photocrosslinking properties for rapid gel formation. Most importantly, the tumor organoids viability in the composite bioink after printing was as high as 97%, which also kept multicellular polar structures consistent with traditional culture methods in the Matrigel. Using 3D bioprinting with this composite bioink loaded with organoids, we demonstrated the feasibility of this drug evaluation model by validating it with clinically used colorectal cancer treatment drugs. Our results suggested that the composite bioink could effectively cultivate tumor organoids using 3D bioprinting, which had the potential to replace less reliable manual operations in promoting the application of tumor organoids in drug development and clinical guidance.


Bioprinting , Organoids , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Organoids/cytology , Organoids/drug effects , Humans , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Laminin/chemistry , Laminin/pharmacology , Proteoglycans/chemistry , Proteoglycans/pharmacology , Collagen , Drug Combinations
15.
J Mater Chem B ; 12(22): 5360-5376, 2024 Jun 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38700242

Articular cartilage tissue has limited self-repair capabilities, with damage frequently progressing to irreversible degeneration. Engineered tissues constructed through bioprinting and embedded with stem cell aggregates offer promising therapeutic alternatives. Aggregates of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) demonstrate enhanced and more rapid chondrogenic differentiation than isolated cells, thus facilitating cartilage repair. However, it remains a key challenge to precisely control biochemical microenvironments to regulate cellular adhesion and cohesion within bioprinted matrices simultaneously. Herein, this work reports a bioprintable hydrogel matrix with high cellular adhesion and aggregation properties for cartilage repair. The hydrogel comprises an enhanced cell-adhesive gelatin methacrylate and a cell-cohesive chitosan methacrylate (CHMA), both of which are subjected to photo-initiated crosslinking. By precisely adjusting the CHMA content, the mechanical stability and biochemical cues of the hydrogels are finely tuned to promote cellular aggregation, chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage repair implantation. Multi-layer constructs encapsulated with BMSCs, with high cell viability reaching 91.1%, are bioprinted and photo-crosslinked to support chondrogenic differentiation for 21 days. BMSCs rapidly form aggregates and display efficient chondrogenic differentiation both on the hydrogels and within bioprinted constructs, as evidenced by the upregulated expression of Sox9, Aggrecan and Collagen 2a1 genes, along with high protein levels. Transplantation of these BMSC-laden bioprinted hydrogels into cartilaginous defects demonstrates effective hyaline cartilage repair. Overall, this cell-responsive hydrogel scaffold holds immense promise for applications in cartilage tissue engineering.


Bioprinting , Chondrogenesis , Hydrogels , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Regeneration , Chondrogenesis/drug effects , Hydrogels/chemistry , Hydrogels/pharmacology , Animals , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Regeneration/drug effects , Cartilage, Articular , Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Biomimetic Materials/pharmacology , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Tissue Engineering , Methacrylates/chemistry , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cartilage/metabolism , Cartilage/cytology , Cells, Cultured , Humans
16.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 16(21): 27151-27163, 2024 May 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38764168

Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a pivotal role in therapy resistance and tumor relapse, emphasizing the need for reliable in vitro models that recapitulate the complexity of the CSC tumor microenvironment to accelerate drug discovery. We present a bioprinted breast CSC tumor-stroma model incorporating triple-negative breast CSCs (TNB-CSCs) and stromal cells (human breast fibroblasts), within a breast-derived decellularized extracellular matrix bioink. Comparison of molecular signatures in this model with different clinical subtypes of bioprinted tumor-stroma models unveils a unique molecular profile for artificial CSC tumor models. We additionally demonstrate that the model can recapitulate the invasive potential of TNB-CSC. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering imaging allowed us to monitor the invasive potential of tumor cells in deep z-axis planes, thereby overcoming the depth-imaging limitations of confocal fluorescence microscopy. As a proof-of-concept application, we conducted high-throughput drug testing analysis to assess the efficacy of CSC-targeted therapy in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic compounds. The results highlight the usefulness of tumor-stroma models as a promising drug-screening platform, providing insights into therapeutic efficacy against CSC populations resistant to conventional therapies.


Bioprinting , Neoplastic Stem Cells , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects , Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology , Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Female , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Stromal Cells/drug effects , Stromal Cells/pathology , Stromal Cells/metabolism
17.
Biofabrication ; 16(3)2024 Jun 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38776895

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein extracted fromBombyx morisilkworm thread. From its common use in the textile industry, it emerged as a biomaterial with promising biochemical and mechanical properties for applications in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, we evaluate for the first time the effects of SF on cardiac bioink formulations containing cardiac spheroids (CSs). First, we evaluate if the SF addition plays a role in the structural and elastic properties of hydrogels containing alginate (Alg) and gelatin (Gel). Then, we test the printability and durability of bioprinted SF-containing hydrogels. Finally, we evaluate whether the addition of SF controls cell viability and function of CSs in Alg-Gel hydrogels. Our findings show that the addition of 1% (w/v) SF to Alg-Gel hydrogels makes them more elastic without affecting cell viability. However, fractional shortening (FS%) of CSs in SF-Alg-Gel hydrogels increases without affecting their contraction frequency, suggesting an improvement in contractile function in the 3D cultures. Altogether, our findings support a promising pathway to bioengineer bioinks containing SF for cardiac applications, with the ability to control mechanical and cellular features in cardiac bioinks.


Alginates , Elasticity , Fibroins , Gelatin , Hydrogels , Myocytes, Cardiac , Alginates/chemistry , Alginates/pharmacology , Fibroins/chemistry , Fibroins/pharmacology , Gelatin/chemistry , Hydrogels/chemistry , Hydrogels/pharmacology , Animals , Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology , Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Bioprinting , Cell Survival/drug effects , Tissue Engineering , Ink , Spheroids, Cellular/cytology , Spheroids, Cellular/drug effects , Rats , Myocardial Contraction/drug effects
18.
Acta Biomater ; 181: 46-66, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38697381

Skeletal muscle is a pro-regenerative tissue, that utilizes a tissue-resident stem cell system to effect repair upon injury. Despite the demonstrated efficiency of this system in restoring muscle mass after many acute injuries, in conditions of severe trauma such as those evident in volumetric muscle loss (VML) (>20 % by mass), this self-repair capability is unable to restore tissue architecture, requiring interventions which currently are largely surgical. As a possible alternative, the generation of artificial muscle using tissue engineering approaches may also be of importance in the treatment of VML and muscle diseases such as dystrophies. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has been identified as a promising technique for regeneration of the complex architecture of skeletal muscle. This review discusses existing treatment strategies following muscle damage, recent progress in bioprinting techniques, the bioinks used for muscle regeneration, the immunogenicity of scaffold materials, and in vitro and in vivo maturation techniques for 3D bio-printed muscle constructs. The pros and cons of these bioink formulations are also highlighted. Finally, we present the current limitations and challenges in the field and critical factors to consider for bioprinting approaches to become more translationa and to produce clinically relevant engineered muscle. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review discusses the physiopathology of muscle injuries and existing clinical treatment strategies for muscle damage, the types of bioprinting techniques that have been applied to bioprinting of muscle, and the bioinks commonly used for muscle regeneration. The pros and cons of these bioinks are highlighted. We present a discussion of existing gaps in the literature and critical factors to consider for the translation of bioprinting approaches and to produce clinically relevant engineered muscle. Finally, we provide insights into what we believe will be the next steps required before the realization of the application of tissue-engineered muscle in humans. We believe this manuscript is an insightful, timely, and instructive review that will guide future muscle bioprinting research from a fundamental construct creation approach, down a translational pathway to achieve the desired impact in the clinic.


Bioprinting , Muscle, Skeletal , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Regeneration , Humans , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Bioprinting/methods , Animals , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Tissue Engineering/methods
19.
Arch Dermatol Res ; 316(5): 147, 2024 May 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38698273

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is effective for treating common cutaneous malignancies, but complex repairs may often present challenges for reconstruction. This paper explores the potential of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in MMS, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. 3D printing technologies show promise in advancing skin regeneration and refining surgical techniques in dermatologic surgery. A PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: "Three-dimensional bioprinting" OR "3-D printing" AND "Mohs" OR "Mohs surgery" OR "Surgery." Peer-reviewed English articles discussing medical applications of 3D bioprinting were included, while non-peer-reviewed and non-English articles were excluded. Patients using 3D MMS models had lower anxiety scores (3.00 to 1.7, p < 0.0001) and higher knowledge assessment scores (5.59 or 93.25% correct responses), indicating better understanding of their procedure. Surgical residents using 3D models demonstrated improved proficiency in flap reconstructions (p = 0.002) and knowledge assessment (p = 0.001). Additionally, 3D printing offers personalized patient care through tailored surgical guides and anatomical models, reducing intraoperative time while enhancing surgical. Concurrently, efforts in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are being explored as potential alternatives to address organ donor shortages, eliminating autografting needs. However, challenges like limited training and technological constraints persist. Integrating optical coherence tomography with 3D bioprinting may expedite grafting, but challenges remain in pre-printing grafts for complex cases. Regulatory and ethical considerations are paramount for patient safety, and further research is needed to understand long-term effects and cost-effectiveness. While promising, significant advancements are necessary for full utilization in MMS.


Bioprinting , Mohs Surgery , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Bioprinting/methods , Mohs Surgery/methods , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Tissue Engineering/methods , Models, Anatomic , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Plastic Surgery Procedures/instrumentation , Surgical Flaps , Skin , Regenerative Medicine/methods
20.
ACS Appl Bio Mater ; 7(5): 3506-3514, 2024 May 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38696441

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated hydrogelation, caused by the cross-linking of phenolic groups in polymers in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is an effective route for bioink solidification in 3D bioprinting. Sugar beet pectin (SBP) naturally has cross-linkable phenols through the enzymatic reaction. Therefore, chemical modifications are not required, unlike the various polymers that have been used in the enzymatic cross-linking system. In this study, we report the application of SBP in extrusion-based bioprinting including HRP-mediated bioink solidification. In this system, H2O2 necessary for the solidification of inks is supplied in the gas phase. Cell-laden liver lobule-like constructs could be fabricated using bioinks consisting of 10 U/mL HRP, 4.0 and 6.0 w/v% SBP, and 6.0 × 106 cells/mL human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells exposed to air containing 16 ppm of H2O2 concurrently during printing and 10 min postprinting. The HepG2 cells enclosed in the printed constructs maintained their viability, metabolic activity, and hepatic functions from day 1 to day 7 of the culture, which indicates the cytocompatibility of this system. Taken together, this result demonstrates the potential of SBP and HRP cross-linking systems for 3D bioprinting, which can be applied in tissue engineering applications.


Beta vulgaris , Biocompatible Materials , Bioprinting , Horseradish Peroxidase , Materials Testing , Pectins , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Horseradish Peroxidase/metabolism , Horseradish Peroxidase/chemistry , Beta vulgaris/chemistry , Humans , Pectins/chemistry , Hep G2 Cells , Biocompatible Materials/chemistry , Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology , Biocompatible Materials/chemical synthesis , Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry , Particle Size , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry , Cross-Linking Reagents/chemical synthesis , Tissue Engineering
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