Three-Dimensional Bioprinting Using a Coaxial Needle with Viscous Inks in Bone Tissue Engineering - An In vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Vascularized autologous tissue grafts are standard for craniomaxillofacial bone defects but have limitations.
• Donor site morbidity and vessel requirements restrict current graft options.
• Novel, less invasive strategies are needed for bone defect reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioprinting method for manufacturing stable scaffolds containing viable stem cells.
• To assess the feasibility of using specific bioink formulations and coaxial needles for scaffold fabrication.
• To evaluate the stability and cell viability of the bioprinted constructs.

Main Methods:

• Three beta-tricalcium phosphate and bioink combinations were tested for 3D printing.
• A coaxial needle system was evaluated for printing bioinks and adipose stem cells.
• Scaffold stability and stem cell viability (live/dead assay) were assessed after overnight incubation.

Main Results:

• Two bioink formulations demonstrated good printability.
• A coaxial needle with a specific nozzle gauge combination yielded stable scaffolds.
• Approximately 80% of encapsulated adipose stem cells remained viable after 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• Coaxial needle bioprinting successfully produced stable scaffolds with viable stem cells.
• The developed method maintains cell viability during the bioprinting process.
• This technique presents a promising alternative for bone defect regeneration.