Understanding the cellular dynamics, engineering perspectives and translation prospects in bioprinting epithelial tissues

Irem Deniz Derman; Joseph Christakiran Moses; Taino Rivera; Ibrahim T. Ozbolat

Bioactive Materials (Jan 2025)

Understanding the cellular dynamics, engineering perspectives and translation prospects in bioprinting epithelial tissues

Irem Deniz Derman,
Joseph Christakiran Moses,
Taino Rivera,
Ibrahim T. Ozbolat

Affiliations

Irem Deniz Derman: Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
Joseph Christakiran Moses: Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
Taino Rivera: Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
Ibrahim T. Ozbolat: Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Cancer Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Neurosurgery Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana, 01330, Turkey; Corresponding author. Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 43
pp. 195 – 224

Abstract

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The epithelium is one of the important tissues in the body as it plays a crucial barrier role serving as a gateway into and out of the body. Most organs in the body contain an epithelial tissue component, where the tightly connected, organ-specific epithelial cells organize into cysts, invaginations, or tubules, thereby performing distinct to endocrine or exocrine secretory functions. Despite the significance of epithelium, engineering functional epithelium in vitro has remained a challenge due to it is special architecture, heterotypic composition of epithelial tissues, and most importantly, difficulty in attaining the apico-basal and planar polarity of epithelial cells. Bioprinting has brought a paradigm shift in fabricating such apico-basal polarized tissues. In this review, we provide an overview of epithelial tissues and provide insights on recapitulating their cellular arrangement and polarization to achieve epithelial function. We describe the different bioprinting techniques that have been successful in engineering polarized epithelium, which can serve as in vitro models for understanding homeostasis and studying diseased conditions. We also discuss the different attempts that have been investigated to study these 3D bioprinted engineered epithelium for preclinical use. Finally, we highlight the challenges and the opportunities that need to be addressed for translation of 3D bioprinted epithelial tissues towards paving way for personalized healthcare in the future.

Published in Bioactive Materials

ISSN: 2452-199X (Online)
Publisher: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Country of publisher: China
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials; Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/bioactive-materials/

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Abstract

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