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이달의 논문 2025년 12월
등록일 : 2026.04.13
. 2025 Dec 30;18(1):109.
 doi: 10.3390/polym18010109.

The Fabrication of a 3D-Printed Nerve Guidance Conduit Using Heterogeneous Composite Materials and Its Effectiveness on Sciatic Nerve Defects of a Rabbit Model

Affiliations 

Abstract

Peripheral nerve repair remains a major clinical challenge, and novel strategies such as conduit-assisted repair have been developed to improve outcomes. In this study, we fabricated a 3D-printed nerve guidance conduit (NGC) composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, combined with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) derived from porcine dermis, in order to create a multilayered PCL-ADM NGC with both favorable mechanical properties and biological activity. Twenty rabbits were divided into four groups: a negative control group, a silicone tube repair group, an autologous nerve graft group, and a group treated with the 3D-printed PCL-ADM NGCs. Sciatic nerve regeneration was assessed at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively using electrophysiological measurements, histological staining, and electron microscopy. The PCL-ADM NGC demonstrated comparable axonal regeneration and functional recovery to autologous grafting, and it significantly outperformed silicone tubes in terms of axonal count and maximal electrophysiological response. Histological and ultrastructural analyses further confirmed that the PCL-ADM NGC facilitated organized regeneration with dense myelinated axons and reduced degenerative changes. The fabricated NGCs exhibited excellent flexibility without compromising lumen diameter, which is critical for adapting to the physiological environment of peripheral nerves. These findings indicate that combining synthetic polymers with biologically derived matrices can enhance the regenerative microenvironment and overcome limitations of traditional synthetic conduits. In conclusion, the 3D-printed PCL-ADM NGC represents a promising alternative to both silicone tube repair and autologous nerve grafting by providing structural support and bioactivity while reducing the need for donor nerve harvesting. Further studies in larger animal models and longer follow-up periods will be required to confirm long-term efficacy and support clinical translation of this technology.

Keywords: 3D printing; acellular dermal matrix (ADM); nerve guidance conduit (NGC); peripheral nerve regeneration; polycaprolactone (PCL).

 

. 2026 Feb;23(2):317-328.
 doi: 10.1007/s13770-025-00774-1. Epub 2025 Dec 8.

GelMA Hydrogel/Alginate-Based Scaffolds: 3D Bioprinting for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Affiliations 

Abstract

Background: The perichondrium-a natural fibrous membrane encasing cartilage-plays a pivotal role in nutrient delivery and matrix regulation; however, it is often overlooked in engineered constructs. This study aimed to fabricate a perichondrium-mimicking three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted auricular cartilage construct utilizing a hybrid bioink and to assess the effects of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) outer layers on cartilage matrix formation, vascularization, and construct stability.

Methods: Chondrocyte spheroids and ADSCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and embedded in bioinks composed of either alginate alone or alginate/GelMA composites. A dual-mode printing strategy facilitated the fabrication of constructs with 3 and 10 layers. ADSCs were printed as outer "perichondrium-mimicking" layers in designated groups (G2, G4, and G6). Constructs were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice for 6 weeks. Histological analyses, immunohistochemical assessments (CD31), and image-based quantitative analyses were conducted.

Results: The inclusion of ADSC layers significantly enhanced cartilage matrix synthesis and decreased calcification, particularly in constructs containing GelMA. Group G4 exhibited the highest levels of glycosaminoglycan and collagen content, as well as the lowest calcium deposition. Ten-layer constructs (G6) preserved structural integrity and supported neovascularization; however, the final cartilage thickness did not proportionally scale with the initial print height.

Conclusion: The incorporation of ADSC-laden perichondrium-mimicking layers in conjunction with a hybrid alginate/GelMA bioink synergistically enhances cartilage formation, matrix quality, and vascular integration in large constructs. This biomimetic approach is a promising platform for developing clinically relevant cartilage grafts for auricular reconstruction and other cartilage repair applications.

Keywords: 3D bio-printing; ADSC; Bio-ink; Chondrocyte; Perichondrium.

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