Multi-tissue layering and path planning of in situ bioprinting for complex skin and soft tissue defects

Abstract

Purpose Reconstructing multi-layer tissue structure using cell printing to repairing complex tissue defect is a challenging task, especially using in situ bioprinting. This study aims to propose a method of in situ bioprinting multi-tissue layering and path planning for complex skin and soft tissue defects. Design/methodology/approach The scanned three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of the skin and soft tissue defect is taken as the input data, the depth value of the defect is then calculated using a two-step grid division method, and the tissue layer is judged according to the depth value. Then, the surface layering and path planning in the normal direction are performed for different tissue layers to achieve precise tissue layering filling of complex skin soft tissue defects. Findings The two-step grid method can accurately calculate the depth of skin and soft tissue defects and judge the tissue layer accordingly. In the in situ bioprinting experiment of the defect model, the defect can be completely closed. The defect can be reconstructed in situ, and the reconstructed structure is basically the same as the original skin tissue structure, proving the feasibility of the proposed method. Originality/value This study proposes an in situ bioprinting multi-tissue layering and path planning method for complex skin and soft tissue defects, which can directly convert the scanned 3D point cloud into a multi-tissue in situ bioprinting path. The printed result has a similar structure to that of the original skin tissue, which can make cells or growth factors act on the corresponding tissue layer targets.

Functionalizing multi-component bioink with platelet-rich plasma for customized in-situ bilayer bioprinting for wound healing

“…The skin defects were then scanned by the scanning system. 3D point cloud data with depth of skin defect were obtained using the two-step grid division algorithm model reported previously [ 34 ]. The allowable boundary error in this experiment was set as 0.5 ​mm.…”

In vivo bioprinting: Broadening the therapeutic horizon for tissue injuries

“…d, Schematic comparison of the performance of the vertical plane layering and the normal surface layering for filling the tissue defects, where the former presents stepwise errors, adapted, with permission from Ref. [ 179 ]. e, Flowchart for generating a conformal print path from scanned point cloud data.…”

“…The 2D path is recovered according to the z-axis coordinates to generate the 3D path, adapted, with permission from Ref. [ 179 ]. f, Projecting the 2D planar path onto the surface to be repaired, using the projection method to generate a surface conformal path, adapted, with permission from Ref.…”

“…In contrast, the conformal slicing method, where each layer's trajectory has a similar profile to the tissue defect, can address these difficulties and promise to maintain the isotropic growth of the regenerated and native tissues in composite tissue repair ( Fig. 7 e) [ 179 ]. The spatially conformal path generated based on planar path projections can also fulfill a similar purpose [ 122 , 180 , 181 ], while it is only appropriate for the printing of single-layered scaffolds ( Fig.…”

Research Progress of Robot Technology in In situ 3D Bioprinting

“…Professor Dichen Li of Xi’an Jiaotong University proposed a method of in situ 3D bioprinting for treating complex skin and soft-tissue defects. Using this proposed method, the scanned 3D point cloud is directly converted into a multitissue in situ biological printing path, which has a structure similar to the original skin, allowing cells or growth factors to act on the corresponding target tissue layer to better repair the skin damage or defective soft tissues[ 12 ].…”