A 3D-Printed Hybrid Nasal Cartilage with Functional Electronic Olfaction.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Biofabrication

Background:

• Biomanufacturing advances enable in vitro recapitulation of human sensory organs.
• Challenges in engineered noses include robust cartilage reconstruction and odor perception replication.
• Hybrid organs offer potential for augmented olfactory capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a proof-of-concept for an odor-perceptive, nose-like hybrid construct.
• To develop a mechanically robust cartilage-like scaffold integrated with a biosensing platform.
• To demonstrate functional olfactory sensation for various targets.

Main Methods:

• Multi-material 3D bioprinting of chondrocyte-laden bioinks to create cartilage-like tissue constructs.
• Optimization of stiff and soft bioink composition for improved cell viability and behavior.
• Integration of engineered cartilage with an electrochemical biosensing system.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated mechanically robust 3D cartilage-like constructs with enhanced chondrocyte viability.
• Successfully recapitulated chondrocyte cell behavior within the 3D constructs.
• Engineered construct showed functional olfactory sensation for disease biomarkers, explosives, and toxins.

Conclusions:

• The proposed hybrid nose construct integrates mechanical robustness with olfactory sensing capabilities.
• This technology lays the groundwork for advanced bionic interfaces and humanoid cyborg applications.
• The system demonstrates potential for detecting a range of airborne substances and biomarkers.