Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Febe Carolina Vazquez-Vazquez, Daniel Chavarria-Bolanos, Marine Ortiz-Magdaleno, Vincenzo Guarino, Marco Antonio Alvarez-Perez
Summary: The fabrication of instructive materials for bone substitute scaffolds using additive manufacturing techniques is an important challenge in tissue engineering. This study proposes a combined approach of 3D printing and air-jet spinning techniques to optimize the fabrication of PLA tubes with nanostructured fibrous coatings for long bone defects. The results show that the 3D-printed scaffolds with nanofiber coatings have highly reproducible mechanical and thermal properties and improved cell adhesion and growth response.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gustavo A. Higuera, Tiago Ramos, Antonio Gloria, Luigi Ambrosio, Andrea Di Luca, Nicholas Pechkov, Joost R. de Wijn, Clemens A. van Blitterswijk, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: Additively manufactured scaffolds have custom-shaped structures with completely interconnected pore networks, and the surface properties of scaffolds greatly impact the success of engineered tissue structures. By combining microspheres with additive manufacturing technologies, 3D scaffolds with adjustable surface roughness can enhance cell adhesion and metabolic activity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoyu Han, Qimanguli Saiding, Xiaolu Cai, Yi Xiao, Peng Wang, Zhengwei Cai, Xuan Gong, Weiming Gong, Xingcai Zhang, Wenguo Cui
Summary: The article provides a comprehensive and systematic discussion on vascularized additive manufacturing scaffolds for bone tissue repair. It discusses the development mechanism of blood vessels and the relationship between bone tissue engineering and blood vessels. The discussion on tissue repair with vascularized additive manufacturing scaffolds is focused on issues, opportunities, and challenges. Additionally, the development of intelligent vascularized 3D/4D/5D/6D-printed tissue scaffolds is explored.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Frederik Wulle, Oliver Gorke, Sarah Schmidt, Maximilian Nistler, Gunter E. Tover, Oliver Riedel, Alexanser Verl, Achim Weber, Alexanser Southan
Summary: This paper introduces the potential and advantages of multi-axis 3D printing of hydrogels, and demonstrates through experiments the relative flexibility and water absorbency of 3D printed hydrogels compared to conventional molded hydrogels. The research also highlights related research questions, such as cross-linking chemistry and formulation of hydrogel inks.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kenny A. van Kampen, Elena Olaret, Izabela-Cristina Stancu, Daniela F. Duarte Campos, Horst Fischer, Carlos Mota, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: The main function of articular cartilage is to provide a low friction surface and protect the underlying bone. In this study, a scaffold design based on hypotrochoidal curves was developed and compared to a regular woodpile design. The hypotrochoidal design showed improved mechanical properties and enhanced extracellular matrix composition, indicating its potential for cartilage tissue engineering.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Mechanical
Mohit Kumar, Varun Sharma
Summary: This study reviews the application of AM techniques in fabricating TE scaffolds, highlighting the need for developing bioactive and patient-specific scaffolds with controlled design. The paper provides a detailed analysis of various AM techniques and discusses their potential in the TE field.
RAPID PROTOTYPING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Charlotte Garot, Georges Bettega, Catherine Picart
Summary: This paper reviews the state-of-the-art materials and AM techniques used in the fabrication of 3D-printed bone scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. The advantages and drawbacks of these materials and techniques are highlighted, with specific criteria for material selection identified. Different combinations of materials and AM techniques are found to be most relevant for specific clinical applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Edmund Pickering, Naomi C. Paxton, Arixin Bo, Bridget O'Connell, Mitchell King, Maria A. Woodruff
Summary: Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a promising additive manufacturing technique for tissue scaffold biofabrication. This study investigates how geometric properties can be used to tune the mechanical behavior of tubular crosshatch scaffolds. The findings demonstrate that scaffold stiffness can be massively adjusted by controlling simple geometric parameters, providing critical insights into scaffold design for biomimetic mechanical behavior and important tools for biomimetic tissue engineering.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Nurulhuda Arifin, Izman Sudin, Nor Hasrul Akhmal Ngadiman, Mohamad Shaiful Ashrul Ishak
Summary: This article reviews the potential of photo-polymerization 3D printing technique in tissue engineering scaffold fabrication. It also compares this technique with other scaffold fabrication methods. Various parameter settings affecting mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and porosity behavior are discussed in detail.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Francesco Baino, Giulia Magnaterra, Elisa Fiume, Alessandro Schiavi, Luciana-Patricia Tofan, Martin Schwentenwein, Enrica Verne
Summary: This study focuses on the additive manufacturing and characterization of hydroxyapatite scaffolds mimicking the trabecular architecture of cancellous bone. A novel approach using stereolithographic technology and 3D reconstructions of polymeric sponges as templates was proposed. The fabricated scaffolds showed promising mechanical properties and mass transport behaviors, making them suitable for bone tissue engineering applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ricardo Donate, Ruben Paz, Rocio Moriche, Maria Jesus Sayagues, Maria Elena Aleman-Dominguez, Mario Monzon
Summary: Despite the lack of functionalities in current biomaterials for osseous diseases treatment, the development of piezoelectric scaffolds shows promise for improved bone regeneration. These scaffolds can positively influence stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and various mechanical stimuli can activate their piezoelectric effect. Biocompatible, piezoelectric polymers are being explored for additive manufacturing of composite scaffolds, with the addition of piezoceramic nanoparticles enhancing their properties. These scaffolds also have potential for real-time monitoring.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tobias Kuhnt, Sandra Camarero-Espinosa
Summary: Cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) have gained great attention for their abundant biopolymer, renewable nature, and outstanding mechanical properties, making them ideal candidates for tissue engineering applications. However, challenges remain in controlling nanoscale parameters that regulate cellular functions such as proliferation and differentiation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sara Biscaia, Joao C. Silva, Carla Moura, Tania Viana, Ana Tojeira, Geoffrey R. Mitchell, Paula Pascoal-Faria, Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Nuno Alves
Summary: Understanding the coupling mechanisms between mechanics and biology in biomaterials is crucial for tissue engineering. This study investigates the effects of adding graphene nanoparticles on the mechanical and biological properties of a poly(epsilon-caprolactone) scaffold. The results show that adding 0.5% graphene nanoparticles significantly improves the compressive modulus of the scaffold and supports cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration.
Review
Polymer Science
Andrea Martelli, Devis Bellucci, Valeria Cannillo
Summary: Tissue engineering is a promising field in regenerative medicine that utilizes synthetic grafts like scaffolds to regenerate damaged tissues. Polymers and bioactive glasses are popular materials for scaffold production due to their adjustable properties and interaction with the body. Additive manufacturing is a promising method for producing scaffolds, but challenges remain in tailoring mechanical properties and achieving controlled degradation for successful tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the potential and limitations of using additive manufacturing techniques for polymer/bioactive glass scaffold production and emphasizes the importance of addressing current challenges in tissue engineering for reliable strategies.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Yanhao Hou, Weiguang Wang, Paulo Bartolo
Summary: Bone cancer is a global health problem with increasing clinical and economic burdens. Current treatment methods have limitations, but advanced materials and additive manufacturing offer promising solutions for both treatment and bone regeneration.
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria Camara-Torres, Pierpaolo Fucile, Ravi Sinha, Carlos Mota, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: Bone tissue engineering utilizes additive manufacturing to create personalized 3D scaffolds that can be further functionalized to influence cell behavior.
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ivo A. O. Beeren, Pieter J. Dijkstra, Ana Filipa H. Lourenco, Ravi Sinha, David B. Gomes, Hong Liu, Nicole Bouvy, Matthew B. Baker, Sandra Camarero-Espinosa, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: Melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing is commonly used for fabricating scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration. However, this technique has two shortcomings: most polymers used are bioinert, and the resulting scaffolds often have weak interfaces and material gradients. To address these issues, researchers introduced peptide gradients on the surface to guide the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells towards chondrogenic or osteogenic phenotypes. The results showed potential for biocompatibility and mechanical strength.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Vita Guarino, Alessandra Zizzari, Monica Bianco, Giuseppe Gigli, Lorenzo Moroni, Valentina Arima
Summary: The human Blood Brain Barrier (hBBB) is a complex cellular structure separating the blood from the brain parenchyma. Its integrity and functionality are crucial for preventing harmful substances from entering the brain. However, the low permeability of hBBB hinders drug delivery to the brain and its disruption is associated with certain diseases. Organ-on-Chip (OoC) models based on microfluidic technologies offer a promising approach to study hBBB, providing a more realistic and cost-effective alternative to existing models. This review focuses on recent advances in OoCs for developing hBBB models, discussing key considerations such as cell types, barrier integrity, stability, and functionality evaluation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Melissa Schepers, Afonso Malheiro, Adrian Seijas Gamardo, Niels Hellings, Jos Prickaerts, Lorenzo Moroni, Tim Vanmierlo, Paul Wieringa
Summary: Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, such as roflumilast, have been extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative properties. This study found that roflumilast can promote differentiation of Schwann cells and accelerate myelination, as demonstrated in vitro using rat cells and a 3D co-culture model. These findings contribute to the development of PDE4 inhibition-based therapies in peripheral regenerative medicine.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Fabiana Amiri, Emanuela Bologna, Gianmarco Nuzzo, Lorenzo Moroni, Massimiliano Zingales
Summary: This paper presents a three-axial model of linear hereditariness and fractional-order calculus to describe the constitutive behavior of fibrous tissues like the meniscus. It also introduces a novel model of fractional-order poromechanics to study the evolution of diffusion phenomenon in the meniscus. A numerical application involving a 1D confined compression test is conducted to demonstrate the influence of material hereditariness on pressure drop evolution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mostafa EzEldeen, Lorenzo Moroni, Zohre Mousavi Nejad, Reinhilde Jacobs, Carlos Mota
Summary: Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, but regenerating oral tissues is challenging due to their limited regenerative capacity. This review focuses on regenerative therapies for tooth root bioengineering, highlighting the cells, biomaterials, and biofabrication methods used. Techniques such as additive manufacturing and bioprinting are discussed, along with the utilization of biomaterials and stem cells for different target tissues. While these therapies show promise in the lab, their translation to clinical applications is still limited, requiring further challenges to be overcome.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Martyna Nikody, Jiaping Li, Elizabeth Rosado Balmayor, Lorenzo Moroni, Pamela Habibovic
Summary: This article introduces a polymer-ceramic composite material that enhances its osteogenic properties by adding zinc, for the treatment of critical-sized bone defects that cannot heal spontaneously and require surgical intervention. The study found that the addition of zinc can promote the differentiation of osteogenic cells, enhance extracellular matrix production and mineralization, and demonstrate the potential for treating critical-sized bone defects.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Juhi Chakraborty, Julia Fernandez-Perez, Kenny A. van Kampen, Subhadeep Roy, Tim ten Brink, Carlos Mota, Sourabh Ghosh, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: Engineering biomimetic cellular microenvironments has been a priority in regenerative medicine. This study presents a 3D bioprinting approach using GelMA and SF-G bioinks to fabricate arch-like constructs for cartilage regeneration. The SF-G constructs showed higher cell proliferation and superior collagen network and chondrogenesis compared to GelMA constructs. Protein-protein interaction and gene analysis validated the in vitro results, emphasizing the role of SF-G in regulating signaling pathways. The 3D bioprinted arch-like constructs have great potential for cartilage regeneration.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Monize Caiado Decarli, Adrian Seijas-Gamardo, Francis L. C. Morgan, Paul Wieringa, Matthew B. Baker, Jorge Vicente L. Silva, Angela Maria Moraes, Lorenzo Moroni, Carlos Mota
Summary: Cartilage tissue has limited self-repair ability and irreversible progression of lesions. Tissue engineering structures, such as extrusion bioprinted constructs containing stem cell spheroids, show promise for research and therapy. In this study, a reproducible bioprinting process followed by chondrogenic differentiation using hMSC spheroids in a xanthan gum-alginate hydrogel was successfully performed. The bioprinted constructs showed stable structure, cell viability, and matrix production, demonstrating their potential as stable chondral tissue implants.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Claudia Del Toro Runzer, Shivesh Anand, Carlos Mota, Lorenzo Moroni, Christian Plank, Martijn van Griensven, Elizabeth R. Balmayor
Summary: Nucleic acids have great potential for gene therapy, with plasmid DNA as the first therapeutic nucleic acid and mRNA as a safer and more affordable option. This study investigated the uptake mechanisms and efficiencies of genetic material by cells, focusing on different nucleic acids, delivery vectors, and human primary cells. The study found that caveolae-mediated uptake was the main route for gene delivery, pDNA had higher expression levels in fast-dividing fibroblasts, cmRNA was responsible for high protein production in slow-dividing osteoblasts, and in mesenchymal stem cells, the combination of vector and nucleic acid was more relevant. Protein expression was higher when cells were seeded on 3D scaffolds.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Carlotta Mondadori, Amit Chandrakar, Silvia Lopa, Paul Wieringa, Giuseppe Talo, Silvia Perego, Giovanni Lombardi, Alessandra Colombini, Matteo Moretti, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: The study investigated the ability of scaffold architecture to modulate macrophage polarization. The rhombus architecture was found to promote the release of certain cytokines by M2a macrophages, which may have a positive impact on the healing process.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mahtab Asadian, Clarissa Tomasina, Yuliia Onyshchenko, Ke Vin Chan, Mohammad Norouzi, Jip Zonderland, Sandra Camarero-Espinosa, Rino Morent, Nathalie De Geyter, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: This study investigates the effect of different surface properties induced by surface modifications on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) chondrogenic behavior. The results show that surface modifications can modulate the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and carboxylated nanofibers promote chondrogenesis.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Antonio J. Feliciano, Eduardo Soares, Anton W. Bosman, Clemens van Blitterswijk, Lorenzo Moroni, Vanessa L. S. LaPointe, Matthew B. Baker
Summary: The ability to utilize directional supramolecular interactions to anchor an antifouling coating to a polymer surface containing a complementary supramolecular unit was investigated. By adjusting the UPy composition, the antifouling properties and lifespan of the coating were controlled. Surface modification employing supramolecular interactions provided an approach that combines the simplicity and scalability of nonspecific coating methodology with the specific anchoring capacity found when using conventional covalent grafting with longevity that could be engineered by the supramolecular composition itself.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Julia Fernandez-Perez, Kenny A. A. van Kampen, Carlos Mota, Matthew Baker, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: Coronary artery disease affects millions worldwide. Off-the-shelf grafts are needed for bypass surgeries, and this study describes the fabrication of tubular scaffolds using melt spinning. The scaffolds showed good performance in bending tests, no leakage when liquid was passed through, and successful suturing of native arteries. Mesenchymal stromal cells seeded on the scaffolds differentiated into vascular smooth muscle-like cells, and endothelial cells formed a tightly packed monolayer. These ECM-mimicking scaffolds have great potential for use as vascular conduits in vivo.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadreza Kasravi, Alireza Yaghoobi, Tahereh Tayebi, Mahsa Hojabri, Abdolkarim Talebi Taheri, Fatemeh Shirzad, Bahram Jambar Nooshin, Radman Mazloomnejad, Armin Ahmadi, Fatemeh A. Tehrani, Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Mohammad Hadi Farjoo, Hassan Niknejad
Summary: As a promising approach in translational medicine, the decellularization of discarded livers to produce bioscaffolds that support recellularization has potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional liver transplantation. In this study, the researchers investigated the use of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition to preserve the extracellular matrix (ECM) during liver decellularization. The results demonstrated that the application of an MMP inhibitor significantly improved the preservation of ECM components and mechanical properties of the bioscaffolds, which supported cell viability and function in vitro. The study also confirmed that the MMP inhibition led to the inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9, providing a novel method to enhance ECM preservation during liver decellularization.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadsadegh Nadimifar, Weiguang Jin, Clara Coll-Satue, Gizem Bor, Paul Joseph Kempen, Ali Akbar Moosavi-Movahedi, Leticia Hosta-Rigau
Summary: This study presents a metal-phenolic self-assembly approach that can prepare nanoparticles fully made of hemoglobin. The nanoparticles exhibit good oxygen binding and releasing capabilities.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jyoti Kumari, Roel Hammink, Jochem Baaij, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: Fibrosis is the formation of fibrous connective tissue in response to injury, leading to organ dysfunction. A novel hybrid hydrogel combining synthetic polyisocyanide with hyaluronic acid has been developed, showing strong antifibrotic properties.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Letter
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Melissa Machado Rodrigues, Cristian Padilha Fontoura, Charlene Silvestrin Celi Garcia, Sandro Tomaz Martins, Joao Antonio Pegas Henriques, Carlos Alejandro Figueroa, Mariana Roesch Ely, Cesar Aguzzoli
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jessica Polak, David Sachs, Nino Scherrer, Adrian Suess, Huan Liu, Mitchell Levesque, Sabine Werner, Edoardo Mazza, Gaetana Restivo, Mirko Meboldt, Costanza Giampietro
Summary: Human skin equivalents (HSEs) play a crucial role in tissue engineering. This study introduces a 3D-printed culture insert to apply a static radial constraint on HSEs and examines its effects on tissue characteristics. The results show that the diameter of the culture insert significantly influences tissue contraction, fibroblast and matrix organization, keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal stratification, and basement membrane formation. This study provides important insights for the design of skin tissue engineering.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shiliang Chen, Tianming Du, Hanbing Zhang, Jing Qi, Yanping Zhang, Yongliang Mu, Aike Qiao
Summary: This paper reviewed the primary methods for improving the overall properties of biodegradable zinc stents. It discussed the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of various improvement strategies. Alloying was found to be the most common, simple, and effective method for improving mechanical properties. Deformation processing and surface modification further improved the mechanical properties and biological activity of zinc alloys. Meanwhile, structural design could endow stents with special properties. Manufacturing zinc alloys with excellent properties and exploring their interaction mechanism with the human body are areas for future research.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
