Three-Dimensional Printing and Cell Therapy for Wound Repair

Abstract

Skin tissue damage is a major challenge and a burden on healthcare systems, from burns and other trauma to diabetes and vascular disease. Although the biological complexities are relatively well understood, appropriate repair mechanisms are scarce. Three-dimensional bioprinting is a layer-based approach to regenerative medicine, whereby cells and cell-based materials can be dispensed in fine spatial arrangements to mimic native tissue. Various bioprinting techniques have been employed in wound repair-based skin tissue engineering, from laser-induced forward transfer to extrusion-based methods, and with the investigation of the benefits and shortcomings of each, with emphasis on biological compatibility and cell proliferation, migration, and vitality. Development of appropriate biological inks and the vascularization of newly developed tissues remain a challenge within the field of skin tissue engineering. Progress within bioprinting requires close interactions between material scientists, tissue engineers, and clinicians. Microvascularization, integration of multiple cell types, and skin appendages will be essential for creation of complex skin tissue constructs.

Recent Trends in Three-Dimensional Bioinks Based on Alginate for Biomedical Applications

“…Skin is a protective barrier for the body, which is a complex structure containing pigmentation, vessels, hair follicles, and different cell types [ 133 , 134 ]. As a significant problem, wounds can put the skin’s health in great danger.…”

“…3D bio-printing provides a unique ability to assemble biomaterials and cells to build 3D structures of the skin. By using computer-aided design software, it allows more flexibility and repeatability since 3D structures can be designed based on predetermined sizes and porosities [ 133 ]. These fine porosities can lead to better accessibility by body fluids, and cells resulted in better regeneration and mimicking the natural organization of healthy skin.…”

Laser-Induced Forward Transfer: A Method for Printing Functional Inks

“…It receives the name of bioprinting and faces the challenge of assembling cells to mimic the natural cell environment for regenerative medicine and in vitro cell behavior studies. LIFT meets all the conditions to succeed in this challenge [92,93]. The absence of a nozzle eliminates clogging issues, existing in other used techniques like inkjet and extrusion printers, and it reduces shear-induced stresses detrimental for the cell survival rate.…”

Application of 3D Bioprinting Technologies to the Management and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

“…Three-dimensional bioprinting is a subset of 3D printing that has been widely used in tissue engineering to recreate biomimetic tissues. This additive manufacturing technique features great flexibility and reproducibility in fabricating mechanically stable biocompatible tissue or organ constructs that mimic the native microenvironment [ 112 ]. Broadly, there are three types of 3D bioprinting technologies: inkjet-based, extrusion-based, and light/laser-based.…”