Objective To review the research progress on the application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology in auricle repair and reconstruction. Methods The recent domestic and international research literature on 3D printing and auricle repair and reconstruction was extensively reviewed, and the concept of 3D bioprinting technology and research progress in auricle repair and reconstruction were summarized. Results The auricle possesses intricate anatomical structure and functionality, necessitating precise tissue reconstruction and morphological replication. Hence, 3D printing technology holds immense potential in auricle reconstruction. In contrast to conventional 3D printing technology, 3D bioprinting technology not only enables the simulation of auricular outer shape but also facilitates the precise distribution of cells within the scaffold during fabrication by incorporating cells into bioink. This approach mimics the composition and structure of natural tissues, thereby favoring the construction of biologically active auricular tissues and enhancing tissue repair outcomes. Conclusion 3D bioprinting technology enables the reconstruction of auricular tissues, avoiding potential complications associated with traditional autologous cartilage grafting. The primary challenge in current research lies in identifying bioinks that meet both the mechanical requirements of complex tissues and biological criteria.
Shear thinning is an ideal feature of bioink because it can reduce the chance of blocking. For extrusion based biological printing, bioink will experience shear force when passing through the biological printer. The shear rate will increase with the increase of extrusion rate, and the apparent viscosity of shear-thinning bioink will decrease, which makes it easier to block, thus achieving the structural fidelity of 3D printing tissue. The manufacturing of complex functional structures in tissue trachea requires the precise placement and coagulation of bioink layer by layer, and the shear-thinning bioink may well meet this requirement. This review focuses on the importance of mechanical properties, classification and preparation methods of shear-thinning bioink, and lists its current application status in 3D printing tissue trachea to discuss the more possibilities and prospects of this biological material in tissue trachea.
The extracellular matrix provides a unique tissue-specific microenvironment for resident cells, supporting the essential functions required for tissue architecture and biochemical signaling. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is designed to eliminate cells that mediate immunological rejection while preserving the native tissue structure and matrix functionality. dECM has attracted significant attention in tissue engineering applications and has evolved into a novel and increasingly sophisticated biomaterial. This article summarizes representative protocols for decellularization methods, explores the latest applications of decellularized tissue-derived materials and bioinks in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, analyzes the current challenges and issues confronting dECM, and discusses future perspectives for its development.