The comprehensive on-demand 3D bio-printing for composite reconstruction of mandibular defects

Abstract

Background The mandible is a functional bio-organ that supports facial structures and helps mastication and speaking. Large mandible defects, generally greater than 6-cm segment loss, may require composite tissue reconstruction such as osteocutaneous-vascularized free flap which has a limitation of additional surgery and a functional morbidity at the donor site. A 3D bio-printing technology is recently developed to overcome the limitation in the composite reconstruction of the mandible using osteocutaneous-vascularized free flap. Review Scaffold, cells, and bioactive molecules are essential for a 3D bio-printing. For mandibular reconstruction, materials in a 3D bio-printing require mechanical strength, resilience, and biocompatibility. Recently, an integrated tissue and organ printing system with multiple cartridges are designed and it is capable of printing polymers to reinforce the printed structure, such as hydrogel. Conclusion For successful composite tissue reconstruction of the mandible, biologic considerations and components should be presented with a comprehensive on-demand online platform model of customized approaches.

Research progress of 3D printed poly (ether ether ketone) in the reconstruction of craniomaxillofacial bone defects

“…Cranioplasty, a surgical procedure for reconstructing the skull, is often necessary to restore cranial defects’ anatomy, aesthetics, and function. For another, to address mandibular bone defects, which refer to abnormalities in the lower jaw with or without injury to the facial bones and their accessories ( Akinbami, 2016 ), resulting from congenital malformations ( Forbes, 2010 ), tumors ( Thariat et al, 2012 ), trauma ( Berg et al, 2014 ), inflammation ( Zhou et al, 2018 ), or medication-related osteonecrosis ( Zhu et al, 2022 ), it is also critical to achieve anatomical ( Kang et al, 2021 ), aesthetic ( Batstone, 2018 ), and functional restoration ( Kakarala et al, 2018 ), while withstanding the challenging conditions posed by oral microflora, lifelong stress during mastication, and continuous force exerted by adjacent tissues ( Park et al, 2022 ). Therefore, it can be concluded that in order to create optimal reparative constructs for bone tissue reconstruction in the craniomaxillofacial area, the structure of these constructs should simulate natural bone in terms of the mechanical, bioactive, and other functional properties (i.e., structural durability, biological performance, and protection against bacterial infection).…”

Nanocomposite Bioprinting for Tissue Engineering Applications

“…The mandible is a functional organ that supports the facial structures and enables mastication and speaking. Large mandible defects may require composite tissue reconstruction, such as the osteocutaneous vascularized free flap, which have the drawbacks of additional surgery and morbidity at the donor site [181]. The recently developed 3D bioprinting technology helps to overcome these limitations using cells, bioactive molecules, and materials with high mechanical strength, resilience, and biocompatibility.…”

From bench to bedside – current clinical and translational challenges in fibula free flap reconstruction

“…For optimized intraoperative controlled positioning a surgical guide should be designed simultaneously to bioprinting the mandibula. After confirming the final draft, the neo-mandible can be printed in multiple cartridge manners (i.e., integrated tissue and organ printing (ITOP)), transported to the operating room, and finally inserted into the mandibular defect ( 114 ). Overall, bioprinted grafts can lower donor site morbidity, reduce operation time, and make graft shaping less sophisticated.…”