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International Journal of Bioprinting Bioprinted organ-on-a-chip with biomaterials
of the cell types found within the sinusoidal structure, the adoption of automated bioprinting technologies and
and a multilayer sinusoid structure was crafted via 3D advanced control systems is imperative for increasing
extrusion-based bioprinting, with gelatin serving as the efficiency and obtaining consistent results.
sacrificial material. Furthermore, the model included a Given that liver diseases often exhibit variations
microfluidic channel to simulate blood flow within the among individuals, influenced by genetics and lifestyle
sinusoidal structure. Key liver fibrosis characteristics, such choices, the creation of a personalized 3D bioprinted
as collagen accumulation, apoptosis, and the expression of liver model is imperative. To achieve this goal, the
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liver fibrosis-specific markers, were effectively replicated development of 3D bioprinting technology capable of
in this model. The study is significant as it accurately effectively utilizing individual liver-derived stem cells is
mimicked various liver functions by realistically crucial. Such technology would enable the creation of liver
replicating the sinusoidal structure and liver-specific models that closely mimic the mechanisms underlying
microenvironment using LdECM bioink and advanced 3D the onset and progression of liver diseases. Thus, 3D
bioprinting technology, applying this model to simulate bioprinted liver models that leverage liver-derived cells are
liver fibrosis. Nevertheless, it is important to note that urgently required. These customized in vitro models can
liver fibrosis involves interactions among multiple organs, significantly reduce both preclinical and clinical expenses
indicating the potential for enhancing this in vitro model by contributing to the formulation of personalized
via interconnections with other organ compartments. treatment and prevention strategies.
Nonetheless, this study provided a valuable testing platform
for liver fibrosis drugs, paving the way for the development 3.5. Other organs
of industries specializing in liver disease treatments and As previously mentioned, 3D bioprinting can be described
further research in this field. as the spatial distribution of living cells in a defined
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While liver models have been developed using 3D pattern. Due to the ability to create organ-specific
bioprinting and various hydrogels, including LdECM microenvironments using a variety of cells with precision
bioink, to effectively replicate numerous liver functions at the anatomical level, this manufacturing technology has
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in vitro, there are multiple aspects requiring further enabled the fabrication of various organ-on-a-chip. In
refinement and application. A recent advancement by this section, we discuss examples and the latest trends in
Taymour et al. involves the creation of a practical co- organ-on-a-chip for various organs, in addition to the skin,
culture system with independently adjustable segments for vessels, kidneys, and liver, which were mentioned in earlier
various cell types via core-shell bioprinting. Although sections.
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this approach has achieved the assembly of multiple liver The nervous system comprises central and peripheral
cell types within a 3D platform, closely mirroring the liver nervous tissue, regulating various body functions,
microenvironment, challenges remain in constructing including motor, cognitive, and autonomic functions.
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an intact liver-specific structure. Notably, current 3D Most nervous system diseases are irreversible, leading to
bioprinting technology faces limitations in producing permanent disability, and viable solutions remain elusive.
intricate and diverse-sized vascular mimetics, including Consequently, the fabrication of nervous system-related
cells, within a single platform, restricting its ability to organs-on-a-chip is imperative. In pursuit of this objective,
generate a flawless sinusoidal structure. Furthermore, LináKong et al. strategically placed a spinal cord spheroid
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given that various liver diseases can manifest complete using magnetic nanoparticles, successfully exerting
pathological mechanisms by interfacing with other organ control over the direction of neuron generation from the
compartments through vascular mimetics, developing spinal cord spheroid-on-a-chip through magnetism. The
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a 3D bioprinting technology capable of producing significance of the study lies in the controlled directionality
functional vascular mimetics of varying sizes, as required, of neurons achieved via a novel 3D bioprinting method
is imperative. 143 using magnetism. However, it is noteworthy that the
The liver operates within a dynamic environment; thus, resulting structure was relatively simple and did not fully
to replicate its functions, a chamber must be created to replicate the diverse cell types constituting the nervous
emulate factors such as blood flow, fluid dynamics, and system. Additionally, to accurately simulate the function of
mechanical stresses. Subsequently, this chamber can be the entire nervous system, considerations must extend to
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integrated with a 3D-printed liver model to enhance the the integration with other organs, such as muscles.
authenticity of the liver model. Additionally, advanced The cardiovascular system comprises the heart and an
hydrogels such as dECM bioink, which can effectively intricate network of blood vessels responsible for circulating
replicate the liver microenvironment while maintaining a blood throughout the body. Within this system, vascular
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high level of accuracy, must be investigated. Moreover, conduits and myocardial tissues exhibit a high degree of
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Volume 10 Issue 1 (2024) 35 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijb.1972

