Three-dimensional bioprinting of stem-cell derived tissues for human regenerative medicine

Gregor Skeldon, Baltasar Lucendo-Villarin, Wenmiao Shu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)
15 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Stem cell technology in regenerative medicine has the potential to provide an unlimited supply of cells for drug testing, medical transplantation and aca-demic research. In order to engineer a realistic tissue model using stem cells as an alternative to human tissue, it is essential to create artificial stem cell microenvironment or niches. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising tissue engineering field that offers new opportunities to precisely place stem cells within their niches layer-by-layer. This review covers bioprinting technologies, the current development of 'bio-inks' and how bioprinting has already been applied to stem-cell culture, as well as their applications for human regenerative medicine. The key considerations for bioink properties such as stiffness, stability and biodegradation, biocompatibility and print- ability are highlighted. Bioprinting of both adult and pluriopotent stem cells for various types of artificial tissues from liver to brain has been reviewed. 3D bioprinting of stem-cell derived tissues for human regenerative medicine is an exciting emerging area that represents opportunities for new research, industries and products as well as future challenges in clinical translation.
Original languageEnglish
Article number20170224
Number of pages11
JournalPhilosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences
Volume373
Early online date21 May 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jul 2018

Keywords

  • stem cells
  • human tissue
  • human regenerative medicine
  • bioprinting

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