Providing vascularization to 3D bioprinted tissues: the key to clinical implementation in reconstructive surgery

3D bioprinting has emerged as a technology for tissue biofabrication.

The main objective of the proposed project is to overcome the size restriction of 3D-printed grafts by improving vascularization of the printed tissue, thereby translating the bioprinted tissue from bench to bedside.

The overall transitional aspects and clinical relevance are preserved as follows:We work with clinically relevant biomaterials (e., nanocellulose-based bioinks).

Nanocellulose is approved for clinical use, as well as an FDA-approved biomaterial.We have unique experience with bioprinting using microfractured fat and access to a limitless supply of human adipose-derived stem cells and stromal vascular fraction, which contains vascular progenitor cells.We work with clinically relevant animal models and are currently transitioning from nude mice to pigs, which is the most human-like model available.We work primarily on tissues with reasonable clinical risks (e., cartilage and fat), which increases the probability of translating our results from the lab to the clinic.Our preliminary results include formation of functioning blood vessels in bioprinted fat and connected to the host circulation, as well as deep ingrowth of host vessels in grid-shaped constructs.

These results address the problem of transporting oxygen and nutrients to large-sized bioprinted constructs. The proposed project has the potential to make 3D bioprinting a valuable tool in reconstructive surgery.