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Lewns FK, Tsigkou O, Cox LR, Wildman RD, Grover LM, Poologasundarampillai G. Hydrogels and Bioprinting in Bone Tissue Engineering: Creating Artificial Stem-Cell Niches for In Vitro Models. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301670. [PMID: 37087739 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Advances in bioprinting have enabled the fabrication of complex tissue constructs with high speed and resolution. However, there remains significant structural and biological complexity within tissues that bioprinting is unable to recapitulate. Bone, for example, has a hierarchical organization ranging from the molecular to whole organ level. Current bioprinting techniques and the materials employed have imposed limits on the scale, speed, and resolution that can be achieved, rendering the technique unable to reproduce the structural hierarchies and cell-matrix interactions that are observed in bone. The shift toward biomimetic approaches in bone tissue engineering, where hydrogels provide biophysical and biochemical cues to encapsulated cells, is a promising approach to enhancing the biological function and development of tissues for in vitro modeling. A major focus in bioprinting of bone tissue for in vitro modeling is creating dynamic microenvironmental niches to support, stimulate, and direct the cellular processes for bone formation and remodeling. Hydrogels are ideal materials for imitating the extracellular matrix since they can be engineered to present various cues whilst allowing bioprinting. Here, recent advances in hydrogels and 3D bioprinting toward creating a microenvironmental niche that is conducive to tissue engineering of in vitro models of bone are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca K Lewns
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B5 7EG, UK
| | - Olga Tsigkou
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 5GF, UK
| | - Liam R Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ricky D Wildman
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Liam M Grover
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Heran W, Xin L, Qi G, Xiongfei Z. Vascularized organ bioprinting: From strategy to paradigm. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13453. [PMID: 36929675 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, bioprinting has become a popular research topic worldwide, as it is the most promising approach for manufacturing vascularized organ in vitro. However, transitioning bioprinting from simple tissue models to real biomedical applications is still a challenge due to the lack of interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge and perfect multitechnology integration. This review examines the goals of vasculature manufacturing and proposes the objectives in three stages. We then outline a bidirectional manufacturing strategy consisting of top-down reproduction (bioprinting) and bottom-up regeneration (cellular behaviour). We also provide an in-depth analysis of the views from the four aspects of design, ink, printing, and culture. Furthermore, we present the 'constructing-comprehension cycle' research paradigm in Strategic Priority Research Program and the 'math-model-based batch insights generator' research paradigm for the future, which have the potential to revolutionize the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Heran
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.,Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110169, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liu Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zheng Xiongfei
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.,Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110169, China
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Shinkar K, Rhode K. Could 3D extrusion bioprinting serve to be a real alternative to organ transplantation in the future? ANNALS OF 3D PRINTED MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stlm.2022.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Wang S, Yang L, Cai B, Liu F, Hou Y, Zheng H, Cheng F, Zhang H, Wang L, Wang X, Lv Q, Kong L, Lee KB, Zhang Q. Injectable hybrid inorganic nanoscaffold-templated rapid stem cell assembly for cartilage repair. Natl Sci Rev 2022; 9:nwac037. [PMID: 35419207 PMCID: PMC8998491 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Cartilage injuries are often devastating and most cannot be cured because of the intrinsically low regenerative capacity of cartilage tissues. Although stem cell therapy has shown enormous potential for cartilage repair, the therapeutic outcome has been restricted by low survival rates and poor chondrocyte differentiation in vivo. Here, we report an injectable hybrid inorganic (IHI) nanoscaffold that facilitates fast assembly, enhances survival, and regulates chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. IHI nanoscaffolds that strongly bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins assemble stem cells through synergistic three-dimensional (3D) cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, creating a favourable physical microenvironment for stem cell survival and differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, chondrogenic factors can be loaded into nanoscaffolds with a high capacity, which allows deep, homogenous drug delivery into assembled 3D stem cell-derived tissues for effective control over the soluble microenvironment of stem cells. The developed IHI nanoscaffolds that assemble with stem cells are injectable. They also scavenge reactive oxygen species and timely biodegrade for proper integration into injured cartilage tissues. Implantation of stem cell-assembled IHI nanoscaffolds into injured cartilage results in accelerated tissue regeneration and functional recovery. By establishing our IHI nanoscaffold-templated 3D stem cell assembly method, we provide a promising approach to better overcome the inhibitory microenvironment associated with cartilage injuries and to advance current stem cell-based tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Letao Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Bolei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Fuwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yannan Hou
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hua Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
| | - Hepeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Le Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Qianxin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Liang Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Ki-Bum Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Qiuyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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Abstract
AbstractThe multidisciplinary research field of bioprinting combines additive manufacturing, biology and material sciences to create bioconstructs with three-dimensional architectures mimicking natural living tissues. The high interest in the possibility of reproducing biological tissues and organs is further boosted by the ever-increasing need for personalized medicine, thus allowing bioprinting to establish itself in the field of biomedical research, and attracting extensive research efforts from companies, universities, and research institutes alike. In this context, this paper proposes a scientometric analysis and critical review of the current literature and the industrial landscape of bioprinting to provide a clear overview of its fast-changing and complex position. The scientific literature and patenting results for 2000–2020 are reviewed and critically analyzed by retrieving 9314 scientific papers and 309 international patents in order to draw a picture of the scientific and industrial landscape in terms of top research countries, institutions, journals, authors and topics, and identifying the technology hubs worldwide. This review paper thus offers a guide to researchers interested in this field or to those who simply want to understand the emerging trends in additive manufacturing and 3D bioprinting.
Graphic abstract
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Huang Y, Wu W, Liu H, Chen Y, Li B, Gou Z, Li X, Gou M. 3D printing of functional nerve guide conduits. BURNS & TRAUMA 2021; 9:tkab011. [PMID: 34212061 PMCID: PMC8240533 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nerve guide conduits (NGCs), as alternatives to nerve autografts and allografts, have been widely explored as an advanced tool for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. However, the repairing efficiency of NGCs still needs significant improvements. Functional NGCs that provide a more favorable microenvironment for promoting axonal elongation and myelination are of great importance. In recent years, 3D printing technologies have been widely applied in the fabrication of customized and complex constructs, exhibiting great potential for tissue engineering applications, especially for the construction of functional NGCs. In this review, we introduce the 3D printing technologies for manufacturing functional NGCs, including inkjet printing, extrusion printing, stereolithography-based printing and indirect printing. Further, we summarize the current methods and strategies for constructing functional NGCs, such as designing special conduit architectures, using appropriate materials and co-printing with different biological cues. Finally, the challenges and prospects for construction of functional NGCs are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wenbi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haofan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Maling Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Riester O, Borgolte M, Csuk R, Deigner HP. Challenges in Bone Tissue Regeneration: Stem Cell Therapy, Biofunctionality and Antimicrobial Properties of Novel Materials and Its Evolution. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E192. [PMID: 33375478 PMCID: PMC7794985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An aging population leads to increasing demand for sustained quality of life with the aid of novel implants. Patients expect fast healing and few complications after surgery. Increased biofunctionality and antimicrobial behavior of implants, in combination with supportive stem cell therapy, can meet these expectations. Recent research in the field of bone implants and the implementation of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of bone defects is outlined and evaluated in this review. The article highlights several advantages, limitations and advances for metal-, ceramic- and polymer-based implants and discusses the future need for high-throughput screening systems used in the evaluation of novel developed materials and stem cell therapies. Automated cell culture systems, microarray assays or microfluidic devices are required to efficiently analyze the increasing number of new materials and stem cell-assisted therapies. Approaches described in the literature to improve biocompatibility, biofunctionality and stem cell differentiation efficiencies of implants range from the design of drug-laden nanoparticles to chemical modification and the selection of materials that mimic the natural tissue. Combining suitable implants with mesenchymal stem cell treatment promises to shorten healing time and increase treatment success. Most research studies focus on creating antibacterial materials or modifying implants with antibacterial coatings in order to address the increasing number of complications after surgeries that are mostly caused by bacterial infections. Moreover, treatment of multiresistant pathogens will pose even bigger challenges in hospitals in the future, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These antibacterial materials will help to reduce infections after surgery and the number of antibiotic treatments that contribute to the emergence of new multiresistant pathogens, whilst the antibacterial implants will help reduce the amount of antibiotics used in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Riester
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, 78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany; (O.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Max Borgolte
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, 78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany; (O.R.); (M.B.)
| | - René Csuk
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Hans-Peter Deigner
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, 78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany; (O.R.); (M.B.)
- EXIM Department, Fraunhofer Institute IZI, Leipzig, Schillingallee 68, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Faculty of Science, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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8
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Bakhtiiari A, Khorshidi R, Yazdian F, Rashedi H, Omidi M. A bioprinted composite hydrogel with controlled shear stress on cells. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2020; 235:314-322. [PMID: 33334243 DOI: 10.1177/0954411920976682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, three dimensional (3D) bio-printing technology has found widespread use in tissue engineering applications. The aim of this study is to scrutinize different parameters of the bioprinter - with the help of simulation software - to print a hydrogel so much so that avoid high amounts of shear stress which is detrimental for cell viability and cell proliferation. Rheology analysis was done on several hydrogels composed of different percentages of components: alginate, collagen, and gelatin. The results have led to the combination of percentages collagen:alginate:gelatin (1:4:8)% as the best condition which makes sol-gel transition at room temperature possible. The results have shown the highest diffusion rate and cell viability for the cross-linked sample with 1.5% CaCl2 for the duration of 1 h. Finally, we have succeeded in printing the hydrogel that is mechanically strong with suitable degradation rate and cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Bakhtiiari
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvan Khorshidi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yazdian
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Science and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Rashedi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meisam Omidi
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, Iran
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9
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Li H, Raza A, Ge Q, Lu JY, Zhang T. Empowering microfluidics by micro-3D printing and solution-based mineral coating. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:6841-6849. [PMID: 32638816 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00958j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fluid-solid interaction in porous materials is of tremendous importance to earth, space, energy, environment, biological, and medical applications. High-resolution 3D printing enables efficient fabrication of porous microfluidic devices with complicated pore-throat morphology, but lacking desired surface functionality. In this work, we propose a novel approach to additively fabricate functional porous devices by integrating micro-3D printing and solution-based internal coating. This approach is successfully applied to create energy/environment-orientated porous micromodels that replicate the μCT-captured porous geometry and natural mineralogy of carbonate rock. The functional mineral coating in a 3D-printed porous scaffold is achieved by seeding calcite nanoparticles along the inner surface and enabling in situ growth of calcite crystals. For conformal and stable coating in confined pore spaces, we manage to control the wetting and capillarity effects during fabrication: (i) capillarity-enhanced nanoparticle immobilization for forming an adhered seeding layer; (ii) capillary pore-throat blockage mitigation for uniform crystal growth. These transparent micromodels are then used to directly image and characterize microscopic fluid dynamics including wettability-dependent fluid propagation and capillarity-held phase transition processes. The proposed approach can be readily tailored with on-demand-designed scaffold geometry and appropriate coating recipe to fit in many other emerging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Masdar Institute, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Aikifa Raza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Masdar Institute, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Qiaoyu Ge
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Masdar Institute, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jin-You Lu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Masdar Institute, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - TieJun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Masdar Institute, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Sigaux N, Pourchet L, Breton P, Brosset S, Louvrier A, Marquette CA. 3D Bioprinting:principles, fantasies and prospects. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2019; 120:128-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Gao C, Feng P, Peng S, Shuai C. Carbon nanotube, graphene and boron nitride nanotube reinforced bioactive ceramics for bone repair. Acta Biomater 2017; 61:1-20. [PMID: 28501710 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The high brittleness and low strength of bioactive ceramics have severely restricted their application in bone repair despite the fact that they have been regarded as one of the most promising biomaterials. In the last few years, low-dimensional nanomaterials (LDNs), including carbon nanotubes, graphene and boron nitride nanotubes, have gained increasing attention owing to their favorable biocompatibility, large surface specific area and super mechanical properties. These qualities make LDNs potential nanofillers in reinforcing bioactive ceramics. In this review, the types, characteristics and applications of the commonly used LDNs in ceramic composites are summarized. In addition, the fabrication methods for LDNs/ceramic composites, such as hot pressing, spark plasma sintering and selective laser sintering, are systematically reviewed and compared. Emphases are placed on how to obtain the uniform dispersion of LDNs in a ceramic matrix and maintain the structural stability of LDNs during the high-temperature fabrication process of ceramics. The reinforcing mechanisms of LDNs in ceramic composites are then discussed in-depth. The in vitro and in vivo studies of LDNs/ceramic in bone repair are also summarized and discussed. Finally, new developments and potential applications of LDNs/ceramic composites are further discussed with reference to experimental and theoretical studies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Despite bioactive ceramics having been regarded as promising biomaterials, their high brittleness and low strength severely restrict their application in bone scaffolds. In recent years, low-dimensional nanomaterials (LDNs), including carbon nanotubes, graphene and boron nitride nanotubes, have shown great potential in reinforcing bioactive ceramics owing to their unique structures and properties. However, so far it has been difficult to maintain the structural stability of LDNs during fabrication of LDNs/ceramic composites, due to the lengthy, high-temperature process involved. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the developments and applications of LDNs in bioactive ceramics. The newly-developed fabrication methods for LDNs/ceramic composites, the reinforcing mechanisms and the in vitro and in vivo performance of LDNs are also summarized and discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengde Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Pei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Shuping Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Cijun Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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