bims-biprem 2025-01-19 papers

Issue of 2025–01–19
six papers selected by
Seerat Maqsood, University of Teramo

Acta Biomater. 2025 Jan 08. pii: S1742-7061(25)00013-3. [Epub ahead of print]

3D bioprinting approaches for enhancing stem cell-based neural tissue regeneration.

Cemile Kilic Bektas, Jeffrey Luo, Brian Conley, Kim-Phuong N Le, Ki-Bum Lee.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting holds immense promise for advancing stem cell research and developing novel therapeutic strategies in the field of neural tissue engineering and disease modeling. This paper critically analyzes recent breakthroughs in 3D bioprinting, specifically focusing on its application in these areas. We comprehensively explore the advantages and limitations of various 3D printing methods, the selection and formulation of bioink materials tailored for neural stem cells, and the incorporation of nanomaterials with dual functionality, enhancing the bioprinting process and promoting neurogenesis pathways. Furthermore, the paper reviews the diverse range of stem cells employed in neural bioprinting research, discussing their potential applications and associated challenges. We also introduce the emerging field of 4D bioprinting, highlighting current efforts to develop time-responsive constructs that improve the integration and functionality of bioprinted neural tissues. In short, this manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving field. It underscores the transformative potential of 3D and 4D bioprinting technologies in revolutionizing stem cell research and paving the way for novel therapeutic solutions for neurological disorders and injuries, ultimately contributing significantly to the advancement of regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This comprehensive review critically examines the current bioprinting research landscape, highlighting efforts to overcome key limitations in printing technologies-improving cell viability post-printing, enhancing resolution, and optimizing cross-linking efficiencies. The continuous refinement of material compositions aims to control the spatiotemporal delivery of therapeutic agents, ensuring better integration of transplanted cells with host tissues. Specifically, the review focuses on groundbreaking advancements in neural tissue engineering. The development of next-generation bioinks, hydrogels, and scaffolds specifically designed for neural regeneration complexities holds the potential to revolutionize treatments for debilitating neural conditions, especially when nanotechnologies are being incorporated. This review offers the readers both a comprehensive analysis of current breakthroughs and an insightful perspective on the future trajectory of neural tissue engineering.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; Neural tissue regeneration; Neurogenesis; Stem cells; Tissue engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2025.01.006

Biofabrication. 2025 Jan 10.

Advancement of 3D biofabrication in repairing and regeneration of cartilage defects.

Zenghui Zheng, Dongmei Yu, Haoyu Wang, Hao Wu, Zhen Tang, Qi Wu, Pengfei Cao, Zhiyuan Chen, Hai Huang, Xiaokang Li, Chaozong Liu, Zheng Guo.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, an additive manufacturing technology, fabricates biomimetic tissues that possess natural structure and function. It involves precise deposition of bioinks, including cells, and bioactive factors, on basis of computer-aided 3D models. Articular cartilage injurie, a common orthopedic issue. Current repair methods, for instance microfracture procedure (MF), Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and Osteochondral Autologous Transfer Surgery (OATS) have been applied in clinical practice. However, each procedure has inherent limitation. For instance, microfracture surgery associates with increased subchondral cyst formation and brittle subchondral bone. ACI procedure involves two surgeries, and associate with potential risks infection and delamination of the regenerated cartilage. In addition, chondrocyte implantation's efficacy depends on the patient's weight, joint pathology, gender-related histological changes of cartilage, and hormonal influences that affect treatment and prognosis. So far, it is a still a grand challenge for achieving a clinical satisfactory in repairing and regeneration of cartilage defects using conditional strategies. 3D biofabrication provide a potential to fabricate biomimetic articular cartilage construct that has shown promise in specific cartilage repair and regeneration of patients. This review reported the techniques of 3D bioprinting applied for cartilage repair, and analyzed their respective merits and demerits, and limitations in clinical application. A summary of commonly used bioinks has been provided, along with an outlook on the challenges and prospects faced by 3D bioprinting in the application of cartilage tissue repair. It provided an overall review of current development and promising application of 3D biofabrication technology in articular cartilage repair.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; Bioinks; Cartilage repair; Cells and bioactive factors; Hydrogels

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1758-5090/ada8e1

Food Chem. 2025 Jan 09. pii: S0308-8146(25)00078-0. [Epub ahead of print]471 142828

3D bioprinting: Advancing the future of food production layer by layer.

Nisansala Chandimali, Seon-Gyeong Bak, Eun Hyun Park, Sun Hee Cheong, Sang-Ik Park, Seung-Jae Lee.

3D bioprinting is an advanced manufacturing technique that involves the precise layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterials, such as cells, growth factors, and biomimetic scaffolds, to create three-dimensional living structures. It essentially combines the complexity of biology with the principles of 3D printing, making it possible to fabricate complex biological structures with extreme control and accuracy. This review discusses how 3D bioprinting is developing as an essential step in the creation of alternative food such as cultured meat and seafood. In light of the growing global issues associated with food sustainability and the ethical challenges raised by conventional animal agriculture, 3D bioprinting is emerging as a key technology that will transform food production in the years to come. This paper also addresses in detail each of the components that make up bioprinting systems, such as the bioinks and scaffolds used, the various types of bioprinter models, and the software systems that control the production process. It offers a thorough examination of the processes involved in printing diverse food items using bioprinting. Beyond the scope of this conversation, 3D bioprinting, which provides superior precision and scalability in tissue engineering, is a crucial node in the broader system of cultured meat and seafood production. But like any emerging technology, 3D bioprinting has its limitations. In light of this, this study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and development to advance bioprinting towards widespread use and, ultimately, promote a more resilient, ethical, and sustainable food supply system.

Keywords: Bio ink; Bioprinter; Cultured meat; Scaffolds; Tissue engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.142828

J Biomater Appl. 2025 Jan 12. 8853282251314672

Comprehensive review of 3D printing techniques emphasizing thermal characterization in biomedical prototyping.

Jayeeta Chattopadhyay, Nimmy Srivastava, Tara Sankar Pathak.

The rapid advancement of 3D printing technology has revolutionized biomedical engineering, enabling the creation of complex and personalized prototypes. Thermal properties play a crucial role in the performance and safety of these biomedical devices. Understanding their thermal behavior is essential for ensuring their effectiveness, reliability, and compatibility with the human body. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the thermal properties of 3D printed biomedical prototypes. It categorizes these prototypes based on thermal characteristics, examines the thermal attributes of various 3D printing materials, explores the thermal considerations for different biomedical devices, and identifies the challenges and future prospects in this dynamic field.

Keywords: 3D-printing; drug delivery; patient specific implements; thermal properties

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282251314672

Eng Life Sci. 2025 Jan;25(1): e202400085

Optimizations of Placenta Extracellular Matrix-Loaded Silk Fibroin/Alginate 3D-Printed Scaffolds Structurally and Functionally for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Zahra Bashiri, Zahra Khosrowpour, Ali Moghaddaszadeh, Davod Jafari, Sanaz Alizadeh, Hajar Nasiri, Houman Parsaei, Zahra Keshtkaran, Meghdad Abdollahpour-Alitappeh, Farshad Bargrizaneh, Behzad Rezaei, Sara Simorgh, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi.

Recent interest has been focused on extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffolds totreat critical-sized bone injuries. In this study, urea was used to decellularize and solubilize human placenta tissue. Then, different concentrations of ECM were composited with 8% alginate (Alg) and 12% silk fibroin (SF) for printing in order to produce a natural 3D construct that resembled bone tissue. The physical and biological features of the printed structures were evaluated entirely in vitro. Finally, a rat model was employed to examine the optimal 3D printed scaffold (5% ECM) as a bone transplant for the healing of cranial bone lesions. The present investigation demonstrated that decellularizing placental tissue fragments led to efficient removal of cell debris. In addition, a remarkable improvement in the printed scaffolds' mechanical and biological properties was observed by increasing the ECM concentration. The histology studies and real-time PCR results demonstrated the acceleration of bone regeneration in the bone lesions treated with 5%ECM-SF/Alg at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. Overall, these results proved that the placental ECM-printed scaffolds could potentially construct biomimetic grafts to reconstruct significant bone defects and now promise to proceed with clinical studies.

Keywords: 3D printed scaffold; alginate/silk fibroin; human placenta

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/elsc.202400085

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Jan 08. pii: S0141-8130(25)00215-6. [Epub ahead of print]295 139666

Development of gelatine and alginate based inks for 3D bioprinters and characterization.

Volkan Yalman, Nelisa Türkoğlu, Yeşim Müge Şahin.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly evolving technology. This study focuses on developing biopolymeric inks tailored for Three-dimensional (3D) printing applications, specifically to produce 3D-printed materials for wound dressing. Humic Acid (HA) was incorporated into the ink formulations due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Although alginate-gelatine-based inks are widely available, no existing systems include HA as an additional component, underscoring the originality of this work.This innovation addresses a key challenge in wound care by promoting healing while minimizing inflammatory responses. Alginate(Alg) used in this study was extracted from Cystoseira barbata, a brown algae species collected from Gideros Bay in Kastamonu, located along Turkey's western Black Sea coast. This is the first study to purify alginate from algae sourced from this regio. The extraction process was optimized. Four biopolymeric ink formulations were prepared in the study and were used to print 3D-biomaterials, which underwent characterization focusing on basic physicochemical properties. Biocompatibility was evaluated through cell viability tests (MTT assays), and Immune response analysis was evaluated through inflammatory markers; pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). In conclusion, this study successfully purified and characterized alginate from algae collected in a previously unstudied region, Gideros Bay. A novel ink formulation, incorporating humic acid, was developed and 3D-printed for the first time. The results demonstrate that the printed materials in the study possess high potential for use as wound dressing materials, marking a significant contribution to the literature.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; Alginate; Gelatine; Humic acid

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139666