Bioengineered Tissue
Bioengineered tissues are functional micro-tissues obtained by integrating cells (cell lines or primary cells) within a supporting scaffold. Several methods and materials can be used to produce a biomimetic or bio-inductive 3D matrix, based on synthetic or naturally derived materials such as 3D printing and electrospinning. All the components of a bioengineered tissue can be controlled and tuned to fulfil the requirements of the specific application, such as matching the mechanical properties, size and shape of the target tissue, and the chemical composition. Engineered tissues require a proper growth environment, often the bioreactor of a micro or millifluidic platform, to obtain mature tissue from the initial composite material. The scaffold is often enriched with chemical factors supporting proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, such as growth factors, cytokines, and other signalling molecules.
Bioengineered Tissue Applications
- Basic research and early drug discovery: Suitable for investigating cellular biology, interaction and crosstalk, drug mechanisms, and drug responses.
- Disease modelling: Valuable for studying disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
- Drug screening: Provide a system for testing drug efficacy and toxicity predictions of drug metabolism and clearance (ADME).
- Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering: Potential for repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs, including skin grafts for burn victims, cartilage for joint repair, and vascular tissues.
Bioengineered Tissue Advantages
- Improved biomimicry: Replicate the physiological behaviours, cellular heterogeneity, gene expression, and structural architecture of human tissues better than 2D cultures.
- Complex cellular composition: Contain multiple differentiated and functionally relevant cell lineages, allowing them to better mimic organs and tissue.
- Controlled build-Up: Enable structured development of tissues such as bone, vascular endothelium, visceral smooth muscle, and lung epithelium.
- High-throughput capabilities: Can be used in high-throughput studies and screening applications.
- Higher reproducibility: Generally considered more consistent and reproducible across studies than other 3D culture models (e.g. organoids).
- Improved culturing conditions: Integration of physical stimuli in the maturation process, such as shear flow, hydrostatic pressure, peristalsis, and enhanced nutrient supply.
Bioengineered Tissue Limitations
- Complexity: Often lack the full spectrum of cell types and structural complexity found in natural tissues.
- Vascular network challenges: Difficulty in creating a functional blood vessel network limits size and functionality.
- Cost: High production costs limit accessibility and application.