#South Korea #Pusan National University #Busan #regenerative medicine #3D bioprinting

Innovative Breakthrough in 3D Adipose Tissue Bioprinting

Researchers at Pusan National University in South Korea have successfully developed a novel method for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of adipose tissues, aiming to unlock potential applications in regenerative medicine. These tissues, primarily recognized for their role in fat storage, also function as an endocrine organ that can influence the repair of damaged tissues, including skin. With the advent of 3D printing technology, there's a substantial opportunity to engineer functional organ-like structures, yet prior attempts have faced significant challenges, particularly in mimicking the natural structure of adipose tissue, including the distribution of lipid droplets necessary for its functions.

The Research Team's Objectives

Led by Assistant Professor Byoung Soo Kim, the team's research was driven by the need to optimize the bioprinting process specifically for adipose tissues. Their findings, published on February 2, 2025, in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, introduce a hybrid bioink composed of decellularized extracellular matrix from adipose tissue combined with alginate. This innovative bioink is pivotal in enhancing the process of adipogenesis—the formation of fat cells—while preserving the physiological properties inherent to adipose tissue.

Innovative Bioink Composition

The bioink created consists of 1% adipose-derived decellularized extracellular matrix and 0.5% alginate, designed to control the behavior of preadipocytes, which are precursors to fat cells. Under standard culture conditions, these cells typically proliferate and migrate, undermining the formation of lipid droplets essential for adipose tissue's functionality. However, the new hybrid bioink inhibits this migration while fostering their differentiation into mature adipocytes.

Optimizing Bioprinting Parameters

Furthermore, the researchers established optimal dimensions for the bioink structures, specifying adipose unit diameters of no greater than 600 micrometers to facilitate nutrient and oxygen delivery essential for the tissue’s survival. The distance separating these units was set at 1000 micrometers or less, enhancing the interactions necessary for promoting adipogenesis through paracrine signaling—where one cell communicates with nearby cells using signaling molecules.

In vivo Testing and Results

To analyze the practical application of this bioprinted adipose tissue, the researchers constructed a tissue assembly comprising both adipose and dermal modules and implanted it in mice with skin wounds. The results were promising, revealing that the tissue assembly not only stimulated wound healing by promoting processes such as re-epithelialization and blood vessel formation but also regulated the expression of proteins associated with skin cell differentiation. This underscores the significant potential of 3D bioprinting technology in the realms of precision medicine and regenerative health care.

Implications for Future Medical Treatments

As the field of customized tissue manufacturing continues to expand, this novel bioprinting method offers real promise for the treatment of chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores. Jae-Seong Lee, another key contributor to the research, noted that the enhanced endocrine functions of 3D bioprinted adipose tissues could help overcome obstacles faced by previous fat grafting techniques which often grapple with low survival rates and gradual resorption.

This breakthrough research opens avenues for developing personalized treatment options that may drastically improve patient outcomes. With the anticipation of commercializing this 3D bioprinting technology, healthcare providers and research institutions are likely to integrate these advanced personalized bioprinting systems into their medical practices to offer revolutionary treatments tailored to individual patient needs.