Tissue engineering approaches require biocompatible materials with precise pre-designed geometry, shape fidelity, and promote cellular functions. Addressing these requirements, our study focused on developing an optimized bioink formulation using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and Laponite hydrogels tailored for extrusion-based three-dimensional bioprinting. To this, we investigated the rheological properties and filament behavior before and during printing. As Laponite concentration increased in CMC solutions, it improved shear-thinning behavior, viscosity, and storage modulus, resulting in well-defined filament characteristics with lower diffusion rates, excellent shape fidelity, and robust printability. Thus, we achieved a suitable biomaterial ink formulation with concentrations of 1 wt% of CMC and 4 wt% of Laponite (1C4L). Subsequently, a statistical analysis guided us to select the optimal parameters for large-scale construct printing: a nozzle speed of 5 mm/s, a print distance of 0.41 mm, and an extrusion multiplier of 1.35. After that, we enhanced the structural integrity of printed hydrogels through ionic crosslinking with calcium chloride (CaCl2) and citric acid (CA), revealing higher-strength hydrogels at higher concentrations of CaCl2. Finally, we have confirmed the groundbreaking potential of our bioink by integrating dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPSC) into the 1C4L ink. Our bioprinted constructs showed optimized swelling, non-toxic effects, and retained excellent shape fidelity, crucial for creating anatomically accurate tissues. Our findings provide crucial insights linking the rheological analysis, the bioprinting process, and the biological properties of hydrogels, paving the way for their use for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications.
3D bioprinting has emerged as a promising technology with transformative potential in cancer research and therapy. This review explores the innovative applications, challenges, and future directions of 3D bioprinting in the field of cancer. By recapitulating tumor microenvironments and heterogeneity, 3D bioprinted models offer valuable platforms for studying cancer biology, drug responses, and personalized medicine. The integration of 3D bioprinting with other cutting-edge technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip and microfluidics, has further enhanced the ability to replicate the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of tumors. The forthcoming paths include advancements in biomaterial engineering, bioprinting techniques, and interdisciplinary collaborations to overcome these challenges. Integration of 3D bioprinting into clinical practice holds promise for revolutionizing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management.
The utilization of 3D printing technologies is extensively pervasive across diverse sectors, including design, engineering, and manufacturing. These sophisticated manufacturing techniques depend on digitally designed models to autonomously construct 3D objects. With the growing interest in 3D printing within dentistry, specifically regarding dental implants, there has been a rapid dissemination of information pertaining to this domain and its applications. As a result, it has become crucial to conduct a comprehensive review on this topic. 3D printing technologies have played a pivotal role in oral implantology. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future needs of 3D printing in implant dentistry, covering technologies, printable materials, and applications in both the surgical and prosthodontic stages of dental implant therapy. Furthermore, it discusses considerations for choosing the appropriate 3D printing technology for specific dental applications. This comprehensive examination offers key insights into the progress, practical uses, and future prospects of 3D printing in dental implants.
Chronic liver disease and related disorders are responsible for millions of deaths each year worldwide. In clinical practice, liver transplantation is recognized as an effective means of saving the lives of patients with severe complications. The shortage of organ donors has necessitated the development of bioengineered therapies that promote regeneration of the defective site and the creation of closely mimicking in vitro models for early prediction of disease states, hepatotoxicity testing, and accurate diagnostics. Despite tremendous research efforts, bioengineering of fully functional livers, detailed information on rare pathological mechanisms, and reliable bioartificial tissue-based therapies remain limited. On the other hand, 2D monolayer culture techniques are too simple to mimic and reproduce the functional characteristics of the liver accurately, its structural microenvironment, and the dynamic situation of cells in vivo. Therefore, tissue engineering-based 3D constructs outperform 2D culture systems. In this review, we provide insight into liver-related health complications, and the use of different cell types for tissue engineering. We also assess the current state of materiobiology and bioengineering technologies for fabricating 3D constructs. Afterward, we highlight the recent progress in liver tissue engineering, and outline the most relevant studies applying co-culture systems, spheroids, and organoid approaches, microfluidics, and 3D-bioprinting techniques. Finally, current dilemmas and possible future directions are explored.
This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of 3D-printed scaffolds by optimizing a composite of Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and synthetic fluorapatite (FHAp) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The research targets the intricate relationships between PCL, PHB, and FHAp concentrations, crucial for achieving optimal tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths. The solvent-cast process successfully yielded FHAp-reinforced PCL composites, confirmed by XRD and FTIR spectra. The findings indicate that an optimal PHB content of over 15 % wt/v and PCL under 10 % wt/v significantly enhance tensile strength, achieving values up to 48 MPa. Compressive strength peaked at PHB concentrations of 13–16 % wt/v and PCL concentrations of 9–13 % wt/v, showcasing effective stress transmission, with the highest recorded value being 90 MPa. Flexural strength exceeded 100 MPa with lower concentrations of PCL and PHB, emphasizing the need for a balance of rigidity and flexibility. The study identifies the optimum composition for these mechanical properties at PCL 9.432 % wt/v, PHB 16.568 % wt/v, and FHAp 24.933 % wt/v, crucial for advanced biomedical implant applications.