Experimental Tracheal Replacement Using 3-dimensional Bioprinted Artificial Trachea with Autologous Epithelial Cells...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Tracheal defects pose significant clinical challenges.
• Current treatments like artificial implants, allografts, and autografts have limitations.
• Tissue engineering offers a promising avenue for trachea reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an effective artificial trachea using 3D bio-printing and tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and regenerative potential of the engineered trachea in a rabbit model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a multi-layered scaffold using 3D printing with polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydrogel.
• Incorporation of nasal epithelial and auricular cartilage cells into the scaffold.
• Transplantation of the engineered trachea into 15 rabbits, with a cell-free PCL scaffold used as a control in 6 rabbits.
• Follow-up assessment using radiography, CT, and endoscopy at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The control group experienced high mortality (3/6 rabbits) and tracheal narrowing due to granulation tissue and lack of epithelial regeneration.
• In the experimental group, 13/15 rabbits survived.
• Histological examination confirmed successful regeneration of respiratory epithelium and presence of neonatal cartilage at 6 and 12 months post-transplantation.

Conclusions:

• The 3D bio-printed artificial trachea effectively promotes respiratory epithelium regeneration.
• While promising, the current method shows limitations in achieving complete cartilage regeneration and requires further optimization for implant stability.