Development and Application of Three-Dimensional Bioprinting Scaffold in the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury

Tissue Eng Regen Med, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13770-022-00465-1 · Published: June 29, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe condition with limited successful treatments. 3D bioprinting offers a promising approach by creating biologically complex structures that mimic natural tissues. These structures, containing neural stem cells, can potentially repair damaged spinal cords. 3D bioprinting utilizes various printing methods, bio-inks, and cells to engineer neural tissues for SCI repair. Although challenges remain, this technology provides innovative solutions for clinical SCI treatment. This review explores 3D bioprinting methods, their application in SCI neural tissue engineering, and discusses the latest technological advancements in bioprinting nerve tissues for SCI repair, highlighting existing limitations and future possibilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
3D bioprinting is a promising method for producing complex microstructures to treat SCI.
2
Hydrogels are widely used in SCI therapeutic strategies because of their similarity to nervous tissue and crosslinking structures with high water content.
3
3D bioprinting scaffolds have become a new method for achieving the requirements for SCI repair, and several studies have proven to be effective scaffolds for spinal cord regeneration.

Research Summary

3D bioprinting is a new and powerful approach for SCI regeneration. Good mechanical properties of scaffolds can guide axon regeneration before being completely biodegraded, and be powerful enough to withstand stress from the surrounding muscles and spine. Bioinks provide a suitable environment for cells and have made more explorations in SCI repair ﬁelds. The implantation of NSCs, NPCs, or mesenchymal stem cells in bioinks has been investigated as a potential therapy for SCI repair. The further developments of 3D bioprinting technology and material science will favor the regeneration of SCI neural tissue and improve patient rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Axonal Regeneration

3D bioprinting scaffolds with good mechanical properties can effectively guide axon regeneration, facilitating nerve repair in SCI.

Cellular Transplantation

Bioinks containing NSCs, NPCs, or mesenchymal stem cells can be used in 3D bioprinting to promote tissue regeneration and functional recovery after SCI.

Microstructural Design

The 3D microstructural features of bioprinted scaffolds are crucial for promoting tissue maturation and guiding neuron growth, enhancing the overall effectiveness of SCI repair.

Study Limitations

1
Immune response to allogenic or xenogeneic cells may promote cell rejection
2
Limited choice of printable bioinks hinders progress of 3D bioprinting SCI scaffolds
3
Cumbersome bioprinting process, inadequate mechanical stability of constructs, and low cell viability

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