Nested Biofabrication: Matryoshka‐Inspired Intra‐Embedded Bioprinting

Abstract

Engineering functional tissues and organs remains a fundamental pursuit in bio‐fabrication. However, the accurate constitution of complex shapes and internal anatomical features of specific organs, including their intricate blood vessels and nerves, remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the Matryoshka doll, here a new method called “Intra‐Embedded Bioprinting (IEB)” is introduced building upon existing embedded bioprinting methods. a xanthan gum‐based material is used which served a dual role as both a bioprintable ink and a support bath, due to its unique shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties. IEB's capabilities in organ modeling, creating a miniaturized replica of a pancreas using a photocrosslinkable silicone composite is demonstrated. Further, a head phantom and a Matryoshka doll are 3D printed, exemplifying IEB's capability to manufacture intricate, nested structures. Toward the use case of IEB and employing an innovative coupling strategy between extrusion‐based and aspiration‐assisted bioprinting, a breast tumor model that included a central channel mimicking a blood vessel, with tumor spheroids bioprinted in proximity is developed. Validation using a clinically‐available chemotherapeutic drug illustrated its efficacy in reducing the tumor volume via perfusion over time. This method opens a new way of bioprinting enabling the creation of complex‐shaped organs with internal anatomical features.

Dissecting the Interplay Mechanism among Process Parameters toward the Biofabrication of High‐Quality Shapes in Embedded Bioprinting

“…Intervertebral discs and multilayer gradient scaffolds were also constructed ( Figure 7C ). Alioglu et al [ 118 ] reported a Matryoshka-inspired intra-embedded bioprinting method to develop nested bioprinted models by demonstrating embedded bioprinting inside pre-existing embedded bioprinted structures. Moxon et al [ 119 ] bioprinted anisotropic osteochondral implants with distinct mechanical properties ( Figure 7D ).…”