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Engineering 3D-Printed Bioresorbable Scaffold to Improve Non-Vascularized Fat Grafting: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Amélia Jordao1,2, Damien Cléret2, Mélanie Dhayer1
1UMR9020-UMR-S 1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Oncolille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
Biomedicines
|December 23, 2023
Summary
This study shows 3D-printed poly L-lactide-co-poly ε-caprolactone (PLCL) scaffolds improve fat graft survival and vascularization. These scaffolds enhance adipose tissue regeneration, offering new solutions for soft-tissue defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Autologous fat grafting is standard for soft-tissue defects but suffers from unpredictable resorption due to poor initial vascularization.
- Insufficient blood supply limits the survival and integration of transplanted adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a 3D-printed poly L-lactide-co-poly ε-caprolactone (PLCL) scaffold for supporting adipose tissue regeneration and vascularization.
- To assess the scaffold's potential to improve fat graft volume preservation and overcome limitations of current techniques.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a porous, bioresorbable PLCL scaffold using FDM 3D-printing with mechanical properties matching native adipose tissue.
- In vitro assessment of preadipocyte differentiation and in vivo evaluation using the chorioallantoic membrane assay for vascularization.
- Subcutaneous transplantation of lipoaspirate-seeded scaffolds into rats, followed by analysis of adipose tissue volume, histology, and vascularization (CD31) over 1-2 months.
Main Results:
- PLCL scaffolds supported preadipocyte differentiation and showed vascular invasion in the chorioallantoic membrane assay.
- Transplanted fat grafts within scaffolds maintained volume in rats, exhibiting well-organized, viable adipocytes (perilipin+) and significant vascularization (CD31+).
- Histological analysis revealed integration with host tissue, including fibrous connective tissue and macrophage presence, without significant hypertrophy.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed PLCL scaffolds effectively support adipose tissue regeneration and promote vascularization, crucial for fat graft survival.
- These scaffolds offer a promising strategy to enhance fat graft volume preservation and vascular integration.
- The study demonstrates the potential of PLCL scaffolds as a therapeutic tool for treating soft-tissue defects.
