Magnetically‐Assisted 3D Bioprinting of Anisotropic Tissue‐Mimetic Constructs

Abstract

Recreating the extracellular matrix organization and cellular patterns of anisotropic tissues in bioengineered constructs remains a significant biofabrication challenge. Magnetically‐assisted 3D bioprinting strategies can be exploited to fabricate biomimetic scaffolding systems, but they fail to provide control over the distribution of magnetic materials incorporated in the bioinks while preserving the fidelity of the designed composites. To overcome this dichotomy, the concepts of magnetically‐ and matrix‐assisted 3D bioprinting are combined here. By allowing low viscosity bioinks to remain uncrosslinked after printing, this approach enables the arrangement of incorporated magnetically‐responsive microfibers without compromising the resolution of printed structures before inducing their solidification. Moreover, the fine design of these magnetic microfillers allows the use of low inorganic contents and weak magnetic field strengths, minimizing the potentially associated risks. This strategy is evaluated for tendon tissue engineering purposes, demonstrating that the synergy between the biochemical and biophysical cues stemming from a tendon‐like anisotropic fibrous microstructure, combined with remote magneto‐mechanical stimulation during in vitro maturation, is effective on directing the fate of the encapsulated human adipose‐derived stem cells toward tenogenic phenotype. In summary, the developed strategy allows the fabrication of anisotropic high‐resolution magnetic composites with remote stimulation functionalities, opening new horizons for tissue engineering applications.

Biological Scaffolds Assembled with Magnetic Nanoparticles for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review

“…Therefore, the role of SPION magnetic scaffolds in vivo requires long-term studies to further determine their possible adverse effects on organisms [ 20 , 91 ]. Magnetic scaffolds may produce uncontrolled aggregation in the biological environment or release metal ions that are potentially toxic to cells [ 50 ]. Therefore, designing highly monodisperse functionalized SPIONs can prevent uncontrolled aggregation from occurring.…”

“…In addition, it is important to design and synthesize magnetic nanostructures with a high magnetic response (large magnetization value). In this way, the fabricated scaffolds can be provided with a magnetic response by incorporating low amounts of magnetic material and then remotely manipulated by applying low-intensity magnetic fields, which could minimize the toxicity/safety risks associated with these factors and, in turn, increase the application potential of magnetic scaffolds [ 50 ]. Therefore, magnetic compositions with this desired high magnetic response can be obtained by controlling the size, morphology, composition, structure, and other factors of the structure [ 51 ].…”

Emerging Materials, Wearables, and Diagnostic Advancements in Therapeutic Treatment of Brain Diseases

“…The distribution of cells, active compounds, and biomaterials can be precisely controlled by bioprinting ( Figure 10 a). Additionally, this method creates in vitro tumor models with bionic structures and physiological systems that replicate the salient features of the tumor microenvironment [ 344 ]. These models can serve as reliable platforms for research on the development of tumours, their interactions with their environment, angiogenesis, motility, invasion, and intra- and extravasation.…”

“…The bioink is typically a hydrogel that is biomaterial-based and offers mechanical and biological support [ 347 ]. Apart from the biological compatible, degradable, chemical, and mechanical characteristics including viscosity, elastic modulus, and compressive modulus are also vital bioink aspects that must be taken into account [ 344 ]. The bioink must meet the requirements for printable parameters in order to match the low mechanical stiffness associated with brain tissue and maintain the appropriate shape and structure when the material is placed.…”

Surface tension drives neuronal sorting in magnetically engineered brain-like tissue

“…Magnetic forces are probably first-in-class candidates for this purpose because they can act at a distance. [16][17][18] Cells can become magnetic through the internalization of biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles, widely used in cancer theragnostics, [19] drug delivery [20] and already clinically validated as T2 contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging [21] , with recent advances validating their use for T1 contrast. [22] Clinical nanoparticle formulations may additionally exhibit anti-tumor properties.…”