Hybrid cell constructs consisting of bioprinted cell-spheroids.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bioprinted cell constructs are crucial for tissue regeneration but suffer from poor cell-cell interactions.
• Pre-formed cell spheroids enhance cell-cell interactions but complicate bioprinting processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative bioprinting process for fabricating cell spheroids and cell-loaded constructs simultaneously.
• To overcome the limitations of pre-forming cell spheroids for improved bioprinting efficiency.

Main Methods:

• A novel cell-printing process utilizing mineral oil droplets to facilitate in-situ cell spheroid formation.
• Controlled manipulation of printing parameters to regulate spheroid diameter and spatial arrangement.
• Fabrication of hybrid cell constructs integrating endothelial cell spheroids and stem cells within a decellularized extracellular matrix/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold.

Main Results:

• Self-assembled cell spheroids formed within mineral oil droplets, demonstrating comparable biological functions to conventionally prepared spheroids.
• Successful fabrication of hybrid cell constructs for vascularized bone regeneration.
• Enhanced angiogenic and osteogenic activities observed in the hybrid constructs due to increased signaling molecule secretion and cell crosstalk.

Conclusions:

• The developed bioprinting process enables efficient fabrication of cell spheroids within constructs, enhancing cell-cell interactions.
• This method holds significant potential for advancing regenerative medicine applications, particularly in vascularized bone tissue engineering.
• The hybrid constructs show promise for promoting bone regeneration through synergistic cellular activities.