Vascularized Tissue Regenerative Engineering Using 3D Bioprinting Technology

Abstract

Vascularization of engineered tissue constructs is of great importance in tissue engineering. There are numerous approaches to generate vascularization in vitro prior to implantation using material-based and cell-based strategies. However, the development of fully functional vascular networks within tissue constructs during in vitro culture remains obstructed by the challenge of achieving control over local microenvironments. To do so it would require the combined mastery of chemical gradients, matrix properties, cell patterning, microfabrication, perfusion systems, and coculture techniques. All of these elements can be incorporated into three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies to facilitate the formation of 3D vascularized networks in engineered tissues. 3D bioprinting can manufacture tissue constructs that mimic the complex microstructures of biological tissues in order to reproduce tissue-like functions. This chapter will give an overview of the biological processes and tissue engineering techniques necessary for engineering functional vascular networks in vitro and designing the next generation of prevascularized tissues and organs, concluding with more detailed discussion of specific applications in bone and cardiac tissue engineering.