A novel tissue-engineered trachea with a mechanical behavior similar to native trachea

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Tracheal stenosis necessitates effective reconstructive solutions.
• Current treatments for tracheal defects have limitations.
• Tissue engineering offers a promising alternative for trachea reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel tissue-engineered trachea with appropriate mechanical properties.
• To promote tracheal cartilage regeneration using functionalized biomaterials.
• To create a viable tracheal substitute for clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Designed and 3D-printed a hollow bellows scaffold for tracheal framework.
• Functionalized gelatin sponge for sustained release of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1).
• Assembled chondrocyte-seeded sponges into the scaffold for in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed bellows scaffold exhibited suitable mechanical behavior.
• Functionalized gelatin sponge successfully induced cartilaginous tissue formation in vitro.
• The assembled tissue-engineered trachea showed mechanical properties similar to native trachea.
• Substantial regeneration of tracheal cartilage was observed in vivo.

Conclusions:

• A novel tissue-engineered trachea was successfully developed.
• The construct demonstrated appropriate mechanical function and significant cartilage regeneration.
• This approach represents a promising tracheal substitute for reconstructing tracheal stenosis.