3D Bioprinting in Otolaryngology: A Review

Abstract

The evolution of tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting has allowed for increased opportunities to generate musculoskeletal tissue grafts that can enhance functional and aesthetic outcomes in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Despite literature reporting successes in the fabrication of cartilage and bone scaffolds for applications in the head and neck, the full potential of this technology has yet to be realized. Otolaryngology as a field has always been at the forefront of new advancements and technology and is well poised to spearhead clinical application of these engineered tissues. In this review, current 3D bioprinting methods are described and an overview of potential cell types, bioinks, and bioactive factors available for musculoskeletal engineering using this technology is presented. The otologic, nasal, tracheal, and craniofacial bone applications of 3D bioprinting with a focus on engineered graft implantation in animal models to highlight the status of functional outcomes in vivo; a necessary step to future clinical translation are reviewed. Continued multidisciplinary efforts between material chemistry, biological sciences, and otolaryngologists will play a key role in the translation of engineered, 3D bioprinted constructs for head and neck surgery.

Impresión o bioimpresión 3D en el área de la salud. Revisión de la literatura

“…comprenden células e hidrogeles para la ingeniería de tejidos y la medicina regenerativa, lo que constituye un avance fundamental en este campo (9,13,30).…”

Sustainable polymers targeted at the surgical and otolaryngological applications: Circularity and future

“…Other interesting field of sustainable polymers usage is tissue engineering, but despite numerous literature examples reporting successes in ENT field, the full potential of 3D bioprinting method essential to personalize the engineered tissues has yet to be realized. 44 The new solutions for otolaryngology based on sustainable polymers are developed and approved each year, e.g., Novapak ® (chitosan and cellulose) or Latera ® (poly-L-lactide), which FDA approved in 2020 and 2019, respectively. 52,53 The search for new polymers for usage in otolaryngology is still commencing, focusing on testing 54 and blending 55 various commercial materials or developing new ones.…”

3D Bioprinting: An Important Tool for Tumor Microenvironment Research

“…It aids in the functional restoration of these non-regenerative human tissues or organs. [7][8][9][10][11][12] On the other hand, with the increasing incidence of tumors, many researchers are attempting to leverage 3D bioprinting technology to provide research strategies for the mechanisms of tumor occurrence and development, as well as personalized treatment plans. In current research on tumor mechanisms and treatments, there has been significant attention on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in recent years.…”