3D bioprinted dynamic bioactive living construct enhances mechanotransduction-assisted rapid neural network self-organization for spinal cord injury repair

This study introduces a novel approach to spinal cord injury (SCI) repair using a 3D bioprinted living construct. This construct is designed to mimic the natural environment of neural stem cells (NSCs) and promote their differentiation and organization into functional neural networks. The bioink used in the 3D bioprinting process is dynamic and bioactive, meaning it can adapt to the needs of the cells and provide instructive biochemical cues. These cues guide the NSCs to become specific types of neural cells and form connections with each other. The effectiveness of this approach was tested in a rat model of complete spinal cord injury, where the 3D bioprinted construct led to significant motor and sensory function recovery. This suggests that the precise design of cell-instructive bioinks is critical for the success of 3D bioprinted living constructs in neural regeneration.

• 1
  The dynamic properties of the 3D bioprinted living fibers alleviate mechanical confinement on NSCs, enhancing their mechanosensing, spreading, migration, and matrix remodeling.
• 2
  The inclusion of N-cadherin-mimicking and BDNF-mimicking peptides enhances cells' ability to sense and respond to mechanical and neurotrophic cues.
• 3
  The 3D bioprinted construct facilitates mechanotransduction-assisted self-organization into a functional substitute with a developed neural network, achieving remarkable motor and sensory function recovery in SCI rats.