Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Texas Robotics, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA.
Biomater Adv. 2025 Jan;166:214057. doi: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.214057. Epub 2024 Sep 29.
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) presents a significant challenge in tissue engineering due to the irreparable nature of extensive muscle injuries. In this study, we propose a novel approach for VML treatment using a bioink composed of silk microfiber-reinforced silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel. The engineered scaffolds are predesigned to provide structural support and fiber alignment to promote tissue regeneration in situ. We also validated our custom-made handheld 3D printer performance and showcased its potential applications for in situ printing using robotics. The fiber contents of SF and gelatin ink were varied from 1 to 5 %. Silk fibroin microfibers reinforced ink offered increased viscosity of the gel, which enhanced the shape fidelity and mechanical strength of the bulk scaffold. The fiber-reinforced bioink also demonstrated better cell-biomaterial interaction upon printing. The handheld 3D printer enabled the precise and on-demand fabrication of scaffolds directly at the defect site, for personalized and minimally invasive treatment. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing the challenges associated with VML treatment and advancing the field of regenerative medicine.
体积性肌肉损失 (VML) 在组织工程中是一个重大挑战，因为广泛的肌肉损伤是不可修复的。在这项研究中，我们提出了一种使用丝微纤维增强丝素蛋白 (SF) 水凝胶的生物墨水治疗 VML 的新方法。设计的工程支架提供结构支撑和纤维排列，以促进原位组织再生。我们还验证了我们定制的手持式 3D 打印机的性能，并展示了其使用机器人进行原位打印的潜在应用。SF 和明胶墨水的纤维含量从 1%到 5%不等。丝素蛋白微纤维增强墨水增加了凝胶的粘度，提高了大块支架的形状保真度和机械强度。纤维增强的生物墨水在打印后也表现出更好的细胞-生物材料相互作用。手持式 3D 打印机能够在缺陷部位精确、按需制造支架，实现个性化和微创治疗。这种创新方法有望解决与 VML 治疗相关的挑战，并推动再生医学领域的发展。
