3D bioprinting for tissue engineering: Stem cells in hydrogels
Journal Title: International Journal of Bioprinting - Year 2016, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Surgical limitations require alternative methods of repairing and replacing diseased and damaged tissue. Regenerative medicine is a growing area of research with engineered tissues already being used successfully in patients. However, the demand for such tissues greatly outweighs the supply and a fast and accurate method of production is still required. 3D bioprinting offers precision control as well as the ability to incorporate biological cues and cells directly into the material as it is being fabricated. Having precise control over scaffold morphology and chemistry is a significant step towards controlling cellular behaviour, particularly where undifferentiated cells, i.e., stem cells, are used. This level of control in the early stages of tissue development is crucial in building more complex systems that morphologically and functionally mimic in vivo tissue. Here we review 3D printing hydrogel materials for tissue engineering purposes and the incorporation of cells within them. Hydrogels are ideal materials for cell culture. They are structurally similar to native extracellular matrix, have a high nutrient retention capacity, allow cells to migrate and can be formed under mild conditions. The techniques used to produce these materials, as well as their benefits and limitations, are outlined.
Authors and Affiliations
Nazia Mehrban, Gui Zhen Teoh and Martin Anthony Birchall
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP678638
- DOI -
- Views 205
- Downloads 0
3D bioprinting technology for regenerative medicine application
Alternative strategies that overcome existing organ transplantation methods are of increasing importance because of ongoing demands and lack of adequate organ donors. Recent improvements in tissue engineering techniques...
Electrospun 3D multi-scale fibrous scaffold for enhanced human dermal fibroblasts infiltration
Electrospun polymeric nanofibrous scaffold possesses significant potential in the field of tissue engineering due to its extracellular matrix mimicking topographical features that modulate a variety of key cellular activ...
Osteosarcoma growth on trabecular bone mimicking structures manufactured via laser direct write
This paper describes the direct laser write of a photocurable acrylate-based PolyHIPE (High Internal Phase Emulsion) to produce scaffolds with both macro- and microporosity, and the use of these scaffolds in osteosarcoma...
Morphological, mechanical and biological assessment of PCL/pristine graphene scaffolds for bone regeneration
Scaffolds are physical substrates for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, ultimately leading to the regeneration of tissues. They must be designed according to specific biomechanical requirements such as...
Additive manufacturing of bone scaffolds
Additive manufacturing (AM) can obtain not only customized external shape but also porous internal structure for scaffolds, both of which are of great importance for repairing large segmental bone defects. The scaffold f...