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International Journal of Bioprinting Bioprinting hearing loss treatment

Figure 1. Technical workflow for manufacturing 3D-bioprinted human organs and comparison of mainstream 3D bioprinting technologies.

applications in addressing hearing impairment, 2.1. Microtia/anotia
encompassing conductive deafness attributed to Microtia/anotia, a congenital developmental deformity of
microtia or anotia, tympanic membrane perforation the auricle, has a significant impact on the psychological
(TMP), ossicular chain deformities, and sensorineural well-being of affected children and can lead to aural
deafness arising from sudden deafness (SD) or enduring atresia, impairing hearing, and potentially causing facial
neurological disorders. nerve palsy in severe cases. The incidence of microtia/
anotia, in neonates is approximately 0.03%, with surgical
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2. Bioprinting applications in conductive treatment being the primary clinical approach. Presently,
hearing loss autologous rib cartilage grafts and Medpor auricular
scaffold implantation are regarded as the most efficacious
The field of 3D bioprinting shows great promise in the techniques. Nevertheless, the utilization of these
realms of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, prosthetics is associated with potential complications. For
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largely owing to its ability to precisely regulate tissue instance, individuals undergoing costal cartilage implants
regeneration. Extensive investigation has been frequently encounter local pain and infection at the donor
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conducted on the application of bioprinting for the site, which may subsequently impact thoracic development
management of microtia/anotia, leading to the successful and respiratory capacity in pediatric patients. Moreover,
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production of 3D-printed auricular scaffolds, bionic ears, despite the advantageous porous structure and rapid
and ear models. Moreover, bioprinting techniques have vascularization of Medpor auricular scaffolds, the
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the capacity to generate both typical and atypical ear material’s stiffness and lack of stress resistance, as well as
tissues, closely mimicking the physiological conditions susceptibility to infection in external components, have
observed in the broader populace or in individuals with been identified as limitations. 32,33
particular medical conditions. These artificial constructs,
such as the ossicular chain, tympanic membrane, and The emergence of 3D bioprinting technology offers
tympanic cavity, can be employed for surgical training, the potential to create innovative auricular scaffolds
diagnostic procedures, and the evaluation of new that closely replicate the morphological, functional, and
pharmaceuticals, among other potential uses. histological characteristics of native auricular cartilage

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 106 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3497