bims-biprem Biomed News
on Bioprinting for regenerative medicine
Issue of 2023–08–06
nine papers selected by
Seerat Maqsood, University of Teramo



  1. iScience. 2023 Aug 18. 26(8): 107349
      Articular cartilage tissue engineering is being considered an alternative treatment strategy for promoting cartilage damage repair. Herein, we proposed a modular hydrogel-based bioink containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D printing multiscale scaffolds integrating the micro and macro environment of the native articular cartilage. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/alginate microsphere was prepared by a microfluidic approach, and the chondrocytes embedded in the microspheres remained viable after being frozen and resuscitated. The modular hydrogel bioink could be printed via the gel-in-gel 3D bioprinting strategy for fabricating the multiscale hydrogel-based scaffolds. Meanwhile, the cells cultured in the scaffolds showed good proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, we also found that the composite hydrogel was biocompatible in vivo. These results indicated that the modular hydrogel-based bioinks containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D printing multiscale scaffolds could provide a 3D multiscale environment for enhancing cartilage repairing, which would be encouraging considering the numerous alternative applications in articular cartilage tissue engineering.
    Keywords:  Biomaterials; Biomedical engineering; Materials science
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107349
  2. Biomater Adv. 2023 Jul 29. pii: S2772-9508(23)00293-5. [Epub ahead of print]153 213570
      The multi-layered skin structure includes the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, which forms a sophisticated tissue composed of extracellular matrix (ECM). The wound repair is a well-orchestrated process when the skin is injured. However, this natural wound repair will be ineffective for large surface area wounds. Autografts-based treatment is efficient but, additional pain and secondary healing of the patient limits its successful application. Therefore, there is a substantial need for fabricating tissue-engineered skin constructs. The development of a successful skin graft requires a fundamental understanding of the natural skin and its healing process, as well as design criteria for selecting a biopolymer and an appropriate fabrication technique. Further, the fabrication of an appropriate skin graft needs to meet physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties equivalent to the natural skin. Advanced 3D bioprinting provides spatial control of the placement of functional components, such as biopolymers with living cells, which can satisfy the prerequisites for the preparation of an ideal skin graft. In this view, here we elaborate on the basic design requirements, constraints involved in the fabrication of skin graft and choice of ink, the probable solution by 3D bioprinting technique, as well as their latest advancements, challenges, and prospects.
    Keywords:  3D bioprinting; Bioink; Injectable hydrogels; Skin grafts; Skin tissue engineering; Wound healing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213570
  3. Cyborg Bionic Syst. 2023 ;4 0043
      Dysfunctional blood vessels are implicated in various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Several studies have attempted to prevent and treat vascular diseases and understand interactions between these diseases and blood vessels across different organs and tissues. Initial studies were conducted using 2-dimensional (2D) in vitro and animal models. However, these models have difficulties in mimicking the 3D microenvironment in human, simulating kinetics related to cell activities, and replicating human pathophysiology; in addition, 3D models involve remarkably high costs. Thus, in vitro bioengineered models (BMs) have recently gained attention. BMs created through biofabrication based on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are breakthrough models that can overcome limitations of 2D and animal models. They can also simulate the natural microenvironment in a patient- and target-specific manner. In this review, we will introduce 3D bioprinting methods for fabricating bioengineered blood vessel models, which can serve as the basis for treating and preventing various vascular diseases. Additionally, we will describe possible advancements from tubular to vascular models. Last, we will discuss specific applications, limitations, and future perspectives of fabricated BMs.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.34133/cbsystems.0043
  4. Adv Healthc Mater. 2023 Aug 03. e2301837
      The need for sustainable development has never been more urgent, as the world continues to struggle with environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and dwindling natural resources. The use of renewable and recycled waste materials as a source of raw materials for biomaterials and tissue engineering is a promising avenue for sustainable development. Although tissue engineering has rapidly developed, the challenges associated with fulfilling the increasing demand for bone substitutes and implants remain unresolved, particularly as the global population ages. This review provides an overview of waste materials, such as eggshells, seashells, fish residues, and agricultural biomass, that can be transformed into biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. While the development of recycled metals is in its early stages, we highlight the use of probiotics and renewable polymers to improve the biofunctionalities of bone implants. Despite the advances of additive manufacturing (AM), studies on AM waste-derived bone-substitutes are limited. It is foreseeable that AM technologies can provide a more sustainable alternative to manufacturing biomaterials and implants. The preliminary results of eggshell and seashell-derived calcium phosphate and rice husk ash-derived silica will likely pave the way for more advanced applications of AM waste-derived biomaterials for sustainably addressing several unmet clinical applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  3d printing of implants; additive manufacturing; orthopedic biomaterials; sustainability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202301837
  5. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2023 Aug 03. 24(6): 163
      3D printing is a cutting-edge technique for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs (Spritam), polypills (guaifenesin), nanosuspension (folic acid), and hydrogels (ibuprofen) with limitations like the choice of materials, restricted size of manufacturing, and design errors at lower and higher dimensions. In contrast, 4D printing represents an advancement on 3D printing, incorporating active materials like shape memory polymers and liquid crystal elastomers enabling printed objects to change shape in response to stimuli. 4D printing offers numerous benefits, including greater printing capacity, higher manufacturing efficiency, improved quality, lower production costs, reduced carbon footprint, and the ability to produce a wider range of products with greater potential. Recent examples of 4D printing advancements in the clinical setting include the development of artificial intravesicular implants for bladder disorders, 4D-printed hearts for transplant, splints for tracheobronchomalacia, microneedles for tissue wound healing, hydrogel capsules for ulcers, and theragrippers for anticancer drug delivery. This review highlights the advantages of 4D printing over 3D printing, recent applications in manufacturing smart pharmaceutical drug delivery systems with localized action, lower incidence of drug administration, and better patient compliance. It is recommended to conduct substantial research to further investigate the development and applicability of 4D printing in the future.
    Keywords:  3D printing; 4D printing; biomedical applications; bioprinting; implant
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-023-02626-4
  6. Curr Med Imaging. 2023 Aug 02.
       BACKGROUND: 3-dimensional (3D) printing denotes the various techniques, which are used to manufacture 3D anatomical from the patient data that is acquired. These models are rapidly gaining popularity in the medical community. Medical imaging modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and even ultrasonography have been used to assist in the manufacturing of 3D models. Currently, 3D printing has various medical applications, which includes pre-surgical planning, intra-operative planning, simulation models, manufacture of prosthesis and surgical tools.
    METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for articles on 3D printing and applications of 3D printing. Relevant articles with basic physics, applications, advantages, and limitations were included in the study. The studies considered were dated from 2012 to 2022.
    CONCLUSION: 3D printing is rapidly gaining popularity in the medical field due to its numerous applications. 3D printed equipment has various advantages, such as better fit due to customized implants, better patient comfort along with lesser manufacturing cost. Simulation models, Preoperative and intra-operative models help in guiding the surgeons during the surgery as well as deciding appropriate approaches for a better surgical outcome and success.
    Keywords:  3D printing; computed tomography; rapid prototyping; standard tessellation language
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.2174/1573405620666230802094204
  7. Exp Hematol Oncol. 2023 Aug 03. 12(1): 69
      Organoids are established through in vitro 3D culture, and they can mimic the structure and physiological functions of organs or tissues in vivo. Organoids have attracted much attention in recent years. They can provide a reliable technology platform for cancer research and treatment and are a valuable preclinical model for academic research and personalized medicine. A number of studies have confirmed that organoids have great application prospects in new drug development, drug screening, tumour mechanism research, and precision medicine. In this review, we mainly focus on recent advances in the application of organoids in cancer research. We also discussed the opportunities and challenges facing organoids, hoping to indicate directions for the development of organoids in the future.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Drug screening; Organoid; Organoid Biobank; Precision Medicine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-023-00433-y
  8. Macromol Biosci. 2023 Aug 02. e2300222
      Hydrogels and nanofibers have been firmly established as go-to materials for various biomedical applications. They have been mostly utilized separately, rarely together, because of their distinctive attributes and shortcomings. However, the potential benefits of integrating nanofibers with hydrogels to synergistically combine their functionalities while attenuating their drawbacks are increasingly recognized. Compared to other nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanofibers into hydrogel has the distinct advantage of emulating the hierarchical structure of natural extracellular environment needed for cell and tissue culture. The most important technological aspect of developing "nanofiber-composite hydrogel" is generating nanofibers made of various polymers that are crosslinked and short enough to maintain stable dispersion in hydrated environment. In this review, recent research efforts to develop nanofiber-composite hydrogels are presented, with added emphasis on nanofiber processing techniques. Several notable examples of implementing nanofiber-composite hydrogels for biomedical applications are also introduced. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  electrospinning; hydrogels; nanofiber-composite hydrogels; nanofibers; tissue engineering
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202300222
  9. J Int Med Res. 2023 Jul;51(7): 3000605231190473
      Corneal diseases are among the most common causes of blindness worldwide. Regardless of the etiology, corneal opacity- or globe integrity-threatening conditions may necessitate corneal replacement procedures. Several procedure types are currently available to address these issues, based on the complexity and extent of injury. Corneal allograft or keratoplasty is considered to be first-line treatment in many cases. However, a significant proportion of the world's population are reported to have no access to this option due to limitations in donor preparation. Thus, providing an appropriate, safe, and efficient synthetic implant (e.g., artificial cornea) may revolutionize this field. Nanotechnology, with its potential applications, has garnered a lot of recent attention in this area, however, there is seemingly a long way to go. This narrative review provides a brief overview of the therapeutic interventions for corneal pathologies, followed by a summary of current biomaterials used in corneal regeneration and a discussion of the nanotechnologies that can aid in the production of superior implants.
    Keywords:  Bioengineering; Biopolymer; Corneal donor; Corneal transplantation; Keratoplasty; Nanotechnology
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/03000605231190473