Experimental investigation of esophageal reconstruction with electrospun polyurethane nanofiber and 3D printing polycaprolactone scaffolds using a rat model

Abstract

Background We evaluated the outcome of esophageal reconstructions using tissue‐engineered scaffolds. Method Partial esophageal defects were reconstructed with the following scaffolds; animals were grouped (n = 7 per group) as follows: (a) normal rats; (b) rats implanted with three‐dimensional printing (3DP) polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds; (c) with human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)‐seeded 3DP PCL scaffolds; (d) with polyurethane (PU)‐nanofiber(Nf) scaffolds; and (e) with ADSC‐seeded PU‐Nf scaffolds. Results The esophageal defects were successfully repaired; however, muscle regeneration was greater in the 3DP PCL + ADSC groups than in the PU‐Nf + ADSC groups (P < .001). Regeneration of the epithelium was greater in PU‐Nf and PU‐Nf + ADSC groups than in the 3DP PCL and 3DP PCL + ADSC groups (P < .001). Conclusion A tendency for more re‐epithelization was observed with the PU‐Nf scaffolds, while more muscle regeneration was achieved with the 3DP PCL scaffolds.

Recent Advancements in Polyurethane-based Tissue Engineering

“…(B) Deposition of collagen in the vicinity of implanted sites for each and every group which was stained by Masson’s trichrome staining. (C) Confirmation of elastin fiber’s regeneration, where elastin immunostaining was responsible for the confirmation . Reproduced with permission from ref .…”

Development and Prospect of Esophageal Tissue Engineering

“…For example, Chung et al used a 3D melt extrusion method to construct a polycaprolactone (PCL) 3D printing scaffold, seeded MSCs on the scaffold to participate in esophageal reconstruction, cells grew along the direction of the scaffold, and implanted it in the defect of the rat esophagus. The results show that the new tissue repaired by the 3D printing scaffold is similar to natural tissue and has obvious advantages compared with electrospun PU scaffolds (Figure 5) (Park et al, 2021). Although 3D printing scaffolds have many advantages, this method also has its own limitations, such as lack of diversity of bio-ink, harsh printing conditions (high temperature or UV curing), and expensive equipment for printing cells.…”

“…(G–I) Masson staining of rat esophagus sections. (J–L) Elastic fiber staining of rat esophagus sections ( Park et al, 2021 ).…”

Anatomical Engineering and 3D Printing for Surgery and Medical Devices: International Review and Future Exponential Innovations

“…In a similar study, and using tissue-engineered scaffolds, Park et al demonstrated that those which had 3DP polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds presented better muscle regeneration. Also, better epithelialization was observed with polyurethane- (PU-) nanofiber (Nf) scaffolds [ 146 ]. In the case of inoperable esophageal tumors, the major treatment of choice in order to alleviate dysphagia is the use of esophageal stents such as self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and self-expandable plastic stent (SEPS), however, there is a current development of novel personalized 3D-printed esophageal stents with the goal of improving the symptoms and to provide local anticancer therapy ( Figure 5 ) [ 147 ].…”