3D Bioprinting of Multi-layered Tubular Constructs using Esophageal Tissue-derived Bioinks for Esophageal Regeneration

Abstract

The esophagus is located between the pharynx and stomach. It has a hollow passageway structure that allows food to pass into the stomach. The incidence of esophageal diseases such as esophageal cancer, esophageal stenosis, and esophageal atresia is increasing, but recovery is difficult because of the weak esophageal regenerative ability. So, the treatments are performed esophageal resection and reconstruction with a gastric pull-up, jejunal free flap. These methods are prone to necrosis, sepsis, other complications, and in severe cases, death. [1] Therefore, an alternative to existing treatments is needed. A tissue engineering-based approach has been spotlighted recently. Most of the hollow structures being researched are manufactured by electrospinning on the drum collector. However, it is difficult to produce free-form and multilayer structures and has poor mechanical properties. [2] In this study, we developed an esophageal alternative construct by a new 3D printing technique that stretches when the material is ejected through the nozzle. Moreover, the decellularized esophageal bioinks were fabricated that mimic the composition of the esophageal tissue and the microenvironment of each layer and were printed. The construct has not only to produce a porous, free-form, multi-layered, and hollow structure but also mimic the morphological and structural characteristics of the actual esophagus.