Head and Neck 3D Bioprinting—A Review on Recent Advancements in Soft Tissue 3D Bioprinting and Medical Applications
Source abstract
Abstract
Recent developments in 3D bioprinting offer innovative alternative solutions to classical treatments for head and neck defects. Soft tissues in an anatomical area as diverse in composition as the head and neck are complex in terms of structure and function. Understanding how cellular interaction underlies functionality has led to the development of bioinks capable of mimicking the natural morphology and roles of different human parts. Moreover, from the multitude of recently developed materials, there are now many options for building scaffolds that potentiate the activity of these cells. The fidelity and accuracy of the utilized techniques ensure maximum precision in terms of model construction. Emerging technologies will allow for improved control of the scaffold, facilitating optimal results in the treatment of various pathologies, without concerns about the availability of donors, immunological response, or any other side effects that traditional treatments withhold. This paper explores the current landscape of bioprinted scaffolds and their applications in the head and neck region, with a focus on the properties and use of natural and synthetic bioinks in the attempt to replicate the biomechanical features of native tissues. Customization capabilities that support anatomical precision and biofunctionality are also addressed. Moreover, regulatory requirements, as well as current challenges related to biocompatibility, immune response, and vascularization, are critically discussed in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathway to clinical application.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: 3D Printing in Biomedical Research · Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation · Cancer Cells and Metastasis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Boulevard, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Dentistry, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, “Foisor” Clinical Hospital of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Osteoarticular TB, 021382 Bucharest, Romania
Akadimia of Ancient Greek and Traditional Chinese Medicine, 16675 Athens, Greece
Elkyda, Research & Education Centre of Charismatheia, 17675 Athens, Greece
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Orthopaedics, “Foisor” Clinical Hospital of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Osteoarticular TB, 021382 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Embryology and Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
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