The promising approach of 3D bioprinting for diabetic foot ulcer treatment: A concise review of recent developments
Mattia Biondo,
Laura Tomasello,
Carla Giordano,
Giorgio Arnaldi,
Giuseppe Pizzolanti
Affiliations
Mattia Biondo
Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze (building 16), 90128, Palermo, Italy
Laura Tomasello
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE) “G. D'Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
Carla Giordano
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE) “G. D'Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
Giorgio Arnaldi
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE) “G. D'Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
Giuseppe Pizzolanti
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE) “G. D'Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy; ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network) Center, University of Palermo, Italy; Corresponding author. Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE) “G. D'Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), one of the most significant complications of diabetes, is a condition that causes anatomical and functional alterations of the foot resulting in an important social and economic impact, related to disability and health care costs. Recently, three-dimensional bioprinting - which allows the fabrication of complex and biocompatible structures - has been identified as a promising approach in the field of regenerative medicine to promote the healing of chronic wounds, such as DFU. In this concise review we highlight the most relevant and recent attempts of using 3D bioprinted constructs in vivo - both on animals and people - in order to treat non-healing diabetic ulcers and prevent their worsening. Finally, we briefly focus on the future implications of bioprinting, suggesting its forthcoming importance not only for DFU treatment but also for other areas of clinical care.
