bims-biprem 2024-11-03 papers

Issue of 2024–11–03
three papers selected by
Seerat Maqsood, University of Teramo

Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 ;19 10661-10684

Revolutionizing Intervertebral Disc Regeneration: Advances and Future Directions in Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Hydrogel Scaffolds.

Xiaobo Zhang, Xidan Gao, Xuefang Zhang, Xin Yao, Xin Kang.

Hydrogels are multifunctional platforms. Through reasonable structure and function design, they use material engineering to adjust their physical and chemical properties, such as pore size, microstructure, degradability, stimulus-response characteristics, etc. and have a variety of biomedical applications. Hydrogel three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a promising technique for the precise deposition of cell-laden biomaterials, enabling the fabrication of intricate 3D structures such as artificial vertebrae and intervertebral discs (IVDs). Despite being in the early stages, 3D printing techniques have shown great potential in the field of regenerative medicine for the fabrication of various transplantable tissues within the human body. Currently, the utilization of engineered hydrogels as carriers or scaffolds for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) presents numerous challenges. However, it remains an indispensable multifunctional manufacturing technology that is imperative in addressing the escalating issue of IVDD. Moreover, it holds the potential to serve as a micron-scale platform for a diverse range of applications. This review primarily concentrates on emerging treatment strategies for IVDD, providing an in-depth analysis of their merits and drawbacks, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed. Furthermore, it extensively explores the biological properties of hydrogels and various nanoscale biomaterial inks, compares different prevalent manufacturing processes utilized in 3D printing, and thoroughly examines the potential clinical applications and prospects of integrating 3D printing technology with hydrogels.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; challenges; hydrogel; intervertebral disc degeneration; novel therapy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S469302

Macromol Biosci. 2024 Oct 29. e2400444

The Application of Biomaterial-Based Spinal Cord Tissue Engineering.

Liang Ma, Zhen Zhang, Yulei Mu, Bangheng Liu, Huiqun Zhou, Dong-An Wang.

Advancements in biomaterial-based spinal cord tissue engineering technology have profoundly influenced regenerative medicine, providing innovative solutions for both spinal cord organoid development and engineered spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. In spinal cord organoids, biomaterials offer a supportive microenvironment that mimics the natural extracellular matrix, facilitating cell differentiation and organization and advancing the understanding of spinal cord development and pathophysiology. Furthermore, biomaterials are essential in constructing engineered spinal cords for SCI repair. The incorporation of biomaterials with growth factors, fabrication of ordered scaffold structures, and artificial spinal cord assemblies are critical insights for SCI to ensure structural integrity, enhance cell viability, and promote neural regeneration in transplantation. In summary, this review summarizes the contribution of biomaterials to the spinal cord organoids progression and discusses strategies for biomaterial-based spinal cord engineering in SCI therapy. These achievements underscore the transformative potential of biomaterials to improve treatment options for SCI and accelerate future clinical applications.

Keywords: biomaterials; organoids; regenerative medicine; spinal cord; tissue engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202400444

Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 ;19 10745-10765

Cryogenic 3D Printing of GelMA/Graphene Bioinks: Improved Mechanical Strength and Structural Properties for Tissue Engineering.

Moises das Virgens Santana, Maria Beatriz S Magulas, Guilherme Castro Brito, Mariana Chaves Santos, Tainara Gomes de Oliveira, Wanderson Gabriel Gomes de Melo, Napoleao Martins Argolo Neto, Fernanda Roberta Marciano, Bartolomeu Cruz Viana, Anderson Oliveira Lobo.

Purpose: Tissue engineering aims to recreate natural cellular environments to facilitate tissue regeneration. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is widely utilized for its biocompatibility, ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, and adjustable mechanical characteristics. This study developed a GelMA and graphene bioink platform at concentrations of 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/mL to enhance scaffold properties for tissue engineering applications.
Patients and Methods: Graphene was incorporated into GelMA matrices to improve mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the bioinks. The compressive strength and thermal stability of the resulting GelMA/graphene scaffolds were assessed through DSC analysis and mechanical testing. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted to determine cell survival rates. Cryoprinting at -30°C was employed to preserve scaffold structure and function. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to evaluate biocompatibility and angiogenic potential.
Results: The integration of graphene significantly amplified the compressive strength and thermal stability of GelMA scaffolds. Cytotoxicity assays indicated robust cell survival rates of 90%, confirming the biocompatibility of the developed materials. Cryoprinting effectively preserved scaffold integrity and functionality. The CAM assay validated the biocompatibility and angiogenic potential, demonstrating substantial vascularization upon scaffold implantation onto chick embryo CAM.
Conclusion: Integrating graphene into GelMA hydrogels, coupled with low-temperature 3D printing, represents a potent strategy for enhancing scaffold fabrication. The resultant GelMA/graphene scaffolds exhibit superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and pro-vascularization capabilities, making them highly suitable for diverse tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Keywords: GelMA; cryoprinting; graphene; hydrogels and tissue engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S486868