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Noninvasive in vivo 3D bioprinting
Yuwen Chen1, Jiumeng Zhang1, Xuan Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China.
Science Advances
|June 16, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel noninvasive 3D bioprinting method using digital near-infrared (NIR) photopolymerization. This technology allows for in vivo tissue construct creation without surgical exposure, demonstrating potential for advanced regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Materials Science
Background:
- Current 3D printing for in vivo applications requires surgical implantation or direct site exposure.
- Existing methods limit the scope and accessibility of 3D-printed constructs within the body.
- There is a need for noninvasive techniques to create customized tissue constructs in situ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a noninvasive 3D bioprinting technology for in vivo tissue engineering.
- To enable the creation of customized tissue constructs without surgical intervention.
- To explore the potential of digital near-infrared (NIR) photopolymerization for in situ bioprinting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized digital near-infrared (NIR) photopolymerization (DNP) with a digital micromirror device.
- Modulated NIR light into customized patterns to induce spatially controlled polymerization of bioinks.
- Administered bioink subcutaneously and irradiated ex vivo with patterned NIR light for in situ printing.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved noninvasive in vivo 3D bioprinting of customized tissue constructs.
- Created a personalized ear-like tissue construct with chondrification.
- Developed a cell-laden scaffold for muscle tissue repair in vivo.
- Demonstrated proof of concept for noninvasive in vivo 3D bioprinting.
Conclusions:
- Digital NIR photopolymerization enables noninvasive in vivo 3D bioprinting of tissue constructs.
- This technology overcomes limitations of surgical implantation for 3D-printed medical devices.
- Presents a significant advancement for regenerative medicine and personalized therapies.
