Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) encompasses the head and neck surgical management and reconstruction, for example after cancer surgical remotion. New frontiers in ORL surgery, involve the application of 3D scaffold to promote tissue regeneration and replacement after resection [1]. Rapid prototyping (3D-printing and 3D-Bioprinting) and Electrospinning, are manufacturing techniques widely used to produce polymeric 3D scaffolds able to mimic tissue’s physiology (Figure 1). 3D-printing and bioprinting, using a Computer-Aid- ed Design” (CAD) software, can produce objects starting from medical scan data. Instead, electropsun fibers, due to their nano-topography are able to mimic nature extracellular matrix (ECM). Lastly, for a suitable regenerative process, not only the scaffold geometry is important, but also the presence of cells and growth factors. Thanks to the versatility of these manufacturing techniques, is possible obtain 3D-engineered scaffolds selective for the specific function required [2]. In this webinar, the different 3D-scaffold manufacturing techniques are presented with advantages and limitations for ORL application. As a case study, a polymeric 3D scaffold for the regeneration of esophageal tissue is introduced. Manufacturing techniques integration, physico-chemical and biological characterizations, mechanical properties and in vivo surgical implantation in animal model are described [3].
[1] Canzi P, Magnetto M, Marconi S, Morbini P, Mauramati S, Aprile F, Avato I, Auricchio F, Benazzo M. New frontiers and emerging applications of 3D printing in ENT surgery: a systematic review of the literature. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2018 Aug;38(4):286-303. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-1984. PMID: 30197421; PMCID: PMC6146580.
[2] Nikolova MP, Chavali MS. Recent advances in biomaterials for 3D scaffolds: A review. Bioact Mater. 2019 Oct 25;4:271-292. doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2019.10.005. PMID: 31709311; PMCID: PMC6829098.
[3] Pisani S, Croce S, Chiesa E, Dorati R, Lenta E, Genta I, Bruni G, Mauramati S, Benazzo A, Cobianchi L, Morbini P, Caliogna L, Benazzo M, Avanzini MA, Conti B. Tissue Engineered Esophageal Patch by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Optimization of Electrospun Patch Engineering. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 4;21(5):1764. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051764. PMID: 32143536; PMCID: PMC7084816.