Vascularisation in 3D bioprinted models: emerging solutions engineering functional tissues and tumour models

Area of Science:

• Bioprinting and Tissue Engineering
• Vascular Biology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting faces challenges in creating mature, functional vascular networks essential for tissue viability beyond 100-200 µm.
• Clinical translation of bioprinted tissues is hindered by the lack of stable, perfusable vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare vascularization strategies for two distinct applications: regenerative tissue engineering and tumor microenvironment modeling.
• To provide a framework for selecting appropriate bioprinting and vascularization approaches based on specific context requirements.

Main Methods:

• Review of technological approaches including extrusion, inkjet, laser, and microfluidic bioprinting.
• Examination of lumen-forming strategies (sacrificial, embedded, coaxial printing) and bioink properties.
• Analysis of biological strategies involving growth factor delivery, hypoxia, co-culture systems, and mechanical/biochemical cues.

Main Results:

• Technological methods offer trade-offs in resolution, cell viability, and scalability.
• Biological strategies leverage biochemical stimuli and cellular interactions to promote vessel formation and maturation.
• Key regulators of vascular maturation include flow, shear stress, and growth factor gradients.

Conclusions:

• A comparative framework guides the selection of vascularization strategies for regenerative tissue engineering versus tumor modeling.
• Emerging technologies like 4D bioprinting and AI-assisted fabrication offer advanced solutions for dynamic vascular systems.
• Design principles are provided for translating vascularized tissue models to clinical applications and industrial biofabrication.