Bioprinting: a focus on improving bioink printability and cell performance based on different process parameters

An overview of nasal cartilage bioprinting: from bench to bedside

Nasal cartilage diseases and injuries are known as significant challenges in reconstructive medicine, affecting a substantial number of individuals worldwide. In recent years, the advent of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a promising approach for nasal cartilage reconstruction, offering potential breakthroughs in the field of regenerative medicine. This paper provides an overview of the methods and challenges associated with 3D bioprinting technologies in the procedure of reconstructing nasal cartilage tissue. The process of 3D bioprinting entails generating a digital 3D model using biomedical imaging techniques and computer-aided design to integrate both internal and external scaffold features. Then, bioinks which consist of biomaterials, cell types, and bioactive chemicals, are applied to facilitate the precise layer-by-layer bioprinting of tissue-engineered scaffolds. After undergoing in vitro and in vivo experiments, this process results in the development of the physiologically functional integrity of the tissue. The advantages of 3D bioprinting encompass the ability to customize scaffold design, enabling the precise incorporation of pore shape, size, and porosity, as well as the utilization of patient-specific cells to enhance compatibility. However, various challenges should be considered, including the optimization of biomaterials, ensuring adequate cell viability and differentiation, achieving seamless integration with the host tissue, and navigating regulatory attention. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of 3D bioprinting in the rebuilding of such soft tissues, this paper covers various aspects of the bioprinted tissues to provide insights for the future development of repair techniques appropriate for clinical use.

Formulation and Characterization of a Novel Oxidized Alginate-Gelatin-Silk Fibroin Bioink with the Aim of Skin Regeneration

Background

In the present study, a novel bioink was suggested based on the oxidized alginate (OAlg), gelatin (GL), and silk fibroin (SF) hydrogels.

Methods

The composition of the bioink was optimized by the rheological and printability measurements, and the extrusion-based 3D bioprinting process was performed by applying the optimum OAlg-based bioink.

Results

The results demonstrated that the viscosity of bioink was continuously decreased by increasing the SF/GL ratio, and the bioink displayed a maximum achievable printability (92 ± 2%) at 2% (w/v) of SF and 4% (w/v) of GL. Moreover, the cellular behavior of the scaffolds investigated by MTT assay and live/dead staining confirmed the biocompatibility of the prepared bioink.

Conclusion

The bioprinted OAlg-GL-SF scaffold could have the potential for using in skin tissue engineering applications, which needs further exploration.