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3D bioprinting cell-laden silk fibroin scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising approach to form tissue engineered constructs via positioning biomaterials, either alone or combined with growth factors, and/or cells, with controlled spatial distribution. Also, 3D bioprinted tissue engineered constructs provide practical means for studying cell behaviours in a 3D environment closely resembling physiologically-relevant conditions. In this project, we are aiming at printing cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds for bone regeneration.
Keywords: 3D bioprinting, biomimetic scaffold, bone tissue engineering, silk fibroin
3D bioprinting of cell-laden scaffolds is a complex approach, which requires optimization of biomaterial fabrication, growth factor delivery and cell viability. Selection of the appropriate bioinks represents one of the main challenges in 3D bioprinting. Bioinks must not only be biocompatible and generate a mechanically stable 3D shape for the laden cells, but must also enable appropriate diffusion of nutrients, oxygen and metabolic waste products between the embedded cells and the culture medium. Silk fibroin (SF) has been increasingly recognized as a promising material for tissue engineering due to the ease of processing, its excellent biocompatibility and tuneable mechanical properties. Our group has expertise with the fabrication of SF scaffolds via the salt-leached method, which allows controllable pore size. These SF scaffolds were shown to support cell proliferation and formation of a mineralized extracellular matrix. 3D bioprinting in addition offers the advantage to direct include cells in the manufacturing process and to further control the architectural parameters such as pore structure and distribution, which are relevant for vascular ingrowth and osseo-integration of the scaffold in vivo.
3D bioprinting of cell-laden scaffolds is a complex approach, which requires optimization of biomaterial fabrication, growth factor delivery and cell viability. Selection of the appropriate bioinks represents one of the main challenges in 3D bioprinting. Bioinks must not only be biocompatible and generate a mechanically stable 3D shape for the laden cells, but must also enable appropriate diffusion of nutrients, oxygen and metabolic waste products between the embedded cells and the culture medium. Silk fibroin (SF) has been increasingly recognized as a promising material for tissue engineering due to the ease of processing, its excellent biocompatibility and tuneable mechanical properties. Our group has expertise with the fabrication of SF scaffolds via the salt-leached method, which allows controllable pore size. These SF scaffolds were shown to support cell proliferation and formation of a mineralized extracellular matrix. 3D bioprinting in addition offers the advantage to direct include cells in the manufacturing process and to further control the architectural parameters such as pore structure and distribution, which are relevant for vascular ingrowth and osseo-integration of the scaffold in vivo.
This project focuses on the development of 3D cell-laden SF scaffolds, via the 3D bioprinting method, to promote bone regeneration. Our aim is to develop a biocompatible 3D bioink, to investigate the cell-matrix interaction and the ability of cells to form a mineralized extracellular matrix within this 3D environment in vitro.
This project focuses on the development of 3D cell-laden SF scaffolds, via the 3D bioprinting method, to promote bone regeneration. Our aim is to develop a biocompatible 3D bioink, to investigate the cell-matrix interaction and the ability of cells to form a mineralized extracellular matrix within this 3D environment in vitro.
Jianhua Zhang, Jianhua.zhang@hest.ethz.ch, Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Professorship Ralph Müller
Jianhua Zhang, Jianhua.zhang@hest.ethz.ch, Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Professorship Ralph Müller