3D bioprinting of cartilage tissue
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2023, 17(1), 22-34.
А. Kukov1, I. Ivanova1, V. Raykov2, G. Altankov3, I. Altankova1
1 Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, UMHAT „Lozenets“ – Sofia
2 Clinic of Orthopedics, UMHAT „Lozenets“ – Sofia
3 Laboratory of 3D printing, Modelling and Analysis, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aimed at creating functional constructs mimicking native tissue for repair and/or replacement of damaged tissues or organs have evolved rapidly in the last decades. However, traditional tissue engineering approaches comprising of 3D bioconstructs, growth factors and cells, scaffolds, showed a limited success in making of complex 3D shapes and in vivo tissue regeneration leading to the impossibility of clinical applications, yet. In this point of view, 3D bioprinting is now being explored for tissue engineering as it involves the building of complex tissue in a layer by layer fashion, this way manufacturing precise geometries due to controlled nature of matter deposition, assisted by computer graphics. The aim of our review is to present the 3D bioprinting technology along with associated 3D bioprinting strategies including extrusion printing, ink-jet printing, stereolithography and laser assisted bioprinting techniques. We further attempt to highlight the steps involved in 3D bioprinting technology on construction of cartilage-like 3D models, based on the available reports from recent literature. Finally, we conclude with current challenges with 3D bioprinting technology along with potential solution for future technological advancement of efficient and cost-effective 3D bioprinting methods.
Key words: 3D bioprinting, cartilage, scaffold, stem cells, chondrocytes
Address for correspondence: Alexader Kukov, MD, е-mail: a_dimitroff@abv.bg