From: Solid organ fabrication: comparison of decellularization to 3D bioprinting
Feature | Decellularization | 3D Bioprinting |
---|---|---|
Architecture Fidelity | Retains complex, intact ECM architecture. Retains vascular tree supportive of recellularization. | Attains moderately complex geometries with precision. Simple structures with vasculature have been printed. |
Cell Positioning | Precise cell positioning is not possible. Recellularization is perfusion- based and therefore stochastic. | Specific localization of cells at multiple length scales is possible. |
Biochemical Signaling | Innate ECM- based biochemical signaling. | Biochemical cues are provided through incorporation of ECM, growth factors or other signaling molecules into the bio-ink. |
Mechanical Integrity | Decellularized organs are mechanically weak with limited ability to resist shear; this can improve with recellularization and long term culture. | A range of mechanical properties can be achieved based on bio-ink selection. |
Flexibility | Limited availability of donor organs unless xenogeneic tissue is used. Ability to repopulate with multiple cell type is challenging. | Biomaterial selection and design is relatively flexible. However, candidate materials are somewhat limited. Only 2–3 components can be printed simultaneously. |
Method Maturity | For certain tissue types optimized procedures have been developed and automated for efficient decellularization and recellularization. | Solid organs with innate vasculature has not yet been realized. |
Customization | Customization of size and shape is limited. | Can be tailored for any size or defect. |
Immunogenicity | Limited immunogenicity, though studies ongoing with respect to adaptive immune responses. | Largely unexplored, though immunological responses might be avoided by including immunomodulatory agents in bio-ink. |
Best Applications | Organs with limited numbers of different cells and high vasculature to tissue ratio (blood vessel, lung, bladder). | Organs with intermediately complex geometries and tight packing (bone, cartilage; more complex geometries such as heart, kidney, liver may be possible in future). |