Safety Considerations in 3D Bioprinting Using Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting shows promise for creating functional human tissues and grafts.
• Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are ideal for bioprinting due to their accessibility, proliferation, and differentiation capabilities.
• However, ex vivo manipulation of MSCs during 3D bioprinting raises safety concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on the risks associated with ex vivo MSC manipulation in 3D bioprinting.
• To propose strategies for minimizing patient risks as 3D bioprinting adoption increases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating MSC behavior during 3D bioprinting.
• Analysis of potential adverse events related to cell processing and biofabrication.
• Synthesis of current data to identify risk mitigation approaches.

Main Results:

• Ex vivo handling of MSCs can lead to undesirable changes affecting their therapeutic potential.
• Specific risks include altered cell phenotype, reduced differentiation capacity, and potential immunogenicity.
• Evidence suggests that process optimization can mitigate many of these risks.

Conclusions:

• While MSCs offer significant advantages for 3D bioprinting, careful consideration of ex vivo manipulation is crucial.
• Implementing standardized protocols and advanced monitoring techniques can enhance the safety and efficacy of MSC-based bioprinted constructs.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate and address the long-term implications of MSC use in regenerative medicine.