Discovering the Latest Scientific Pathways on Tissue Spheroids: Opportunities to Innovate

Abstract

Tissue spheroids consist of a three-dimensional model of cells which is capable of imitating the complicated composition of healthy and unhealthy human tissue. Due to their unique properties, they can bring innovative solutions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they can be used as building blocks for the formation of organ and tissue models used in drug experimentation. Considering the rapid transformation of the health industry, it is crucial to assess the research dynamics of this field to support the development of innovative applications. In this research, a scientometric analysis was performed as part of a Competitive Technology Intelligence methodology, to determine the main applications of tissue spheroids. Papers from Scopus and Web of Science published between 2000 and 2019 were organized and analyzed. In total, 868 scientific publications were identified, and four main categories of application were determined. Main subject areas, countries, cities, authors, journals, and institutions were established. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed to determine networks of collaborations between institutions and authors. This article provides insights into the applications of cell aggregates and the research dynamics of this field, which can help in the decision-making process to incorporate emerging and innovative technologies in the health industry.

Research Dynamics of Tissue Spheroids as Building Blocks: A Scientometric Analysis

“…Similar to the previous research of tissue spheroids in general by Rodriguez-Salvador et al . [ 20 ] results obtained in this analysis show that there is a variety of cells used in tissue spheroids as building blocks. Specifically, the predominant type of cells for the Seeding category are spermatogonial stem cells (SSC)[ 33 ], mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)[ 22 , 23 ], human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)[ 34 ], and for the Biofabrication category, hiPSC[ 25 ] L929 cells[ 27 ] and adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (ADSC)[ 49 ].…”

“…A scientometric analysis on tissue spheroids in general was done recently by Rodriguez-Salvador et al . [ 20 ] The search query applied in that study was considered for this analysis, which gathered all current information regarding tissue spheroids in general, as follows:…”

“…A scientometric analysis on tissue spheroids was done recently by Rodriguez-Salvador et al . [ 20 ] where information from both Scopus and Web of Science was analyzed. However, with the present study being focused on the specific approach of tissue spheroids as building blocks, we considered it to be more convenient to work only with one database, in this case, Scopus, which effectively facilitated the search and the further analysis with the powerful analytical tools available.…”

The Art of Building Living Tissues: Exploring the Frontiers of Biofabrication with 3D Bioprinting

“…Multiscale, multicellular, and complex 3DbioP requires multidimensional support differentiation and maturation into functional tissue constructs of multicellular spheroids, organoids, embryoid bodies, and scaffold biomaterial. , The advent of iPSCs and recent progress in developing advanced hydrogels has made the 3DbioP of these complex tissue forms possible within the structured organ building blocks (OBBs) . The conventional 3DbioP approach involves directly printing cell-laden bioinks into the required shape and geometry to form a functional tissue construct (Figure B).…”

Applications of additive manufacturing (AM) in sustainable energy generation and battle against COVID-19 pandemic: The knowledge evolution of 3D printing

“…The basic building blocks used in bioprinting are bio inks, generally made of various types of cells, biomaterials, or proteins. Bio inks can be categorized by printability, biocompatibility, and bioactivity [ 115 ] and can be classified as [ 116 ]: Hybrids of natural substances such as alginate, hyaluronan, agarose, silk fibroin, chitosan, cellulose, gelatin or fibrin, and collagen Mixtures of synthetic/natural components Synthetic biomaterials Combinations of particles and hydrogels Bio inks for 4D printing Combinations of various cells and soluble factors …”