3D Bioprinting of Vascularized Tissues for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications

3D bioprinting technology has fostered rapid and exciting developments such as the development of personalized in vitro disease models, high-throughput assays, and improved stem cell transplantation for a range of in vitro and in vivo applications for the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field. It allows the precise dispense of cell-laden biomaterials and cells for constructing complex and functional living tissues or organs. Compared to traditional fabrication methods, 3D bioprinting offers an unprecedented ability to fabricated sophisticated constructs with precise control over their composition and spatial distribution, producing tissues of high level of biomimicry in architecture and physico-chemical properties. It provides a powerful means to address many challenges in tissue engineering of the in vivo microenvironment, such as vascularization, paracrine factors, and different cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. However, despite the latest advancements in the field, we are still limited in translating our discoveries from bench to the bedside in a very efficient way.

The aim of the current Research Topic is to highlight the latest developments in the field of biofabrication using 3D bioprinting technology. Deposition of biomaterials (such as, hydrogels or other biomedical polymers) alone or in combination with cells to maintain optimal cell viability and function is limited by several factors before, during and after the bioprinting process. Besides a proper vascular network formation, major challenges in biofabricating tissues that fully mimic the in vivo microenvironment found within our body include:
- mechanical tissue properties;
- tissue maturation;
- stem cell homing;
- extracellular matrix deposition and organization;
- inflammatory response;
- tissue function.

Types of manuscripts to be featured mainly include Original Research and Perspective articles. Review articles that describe the current state-of-the-art in hybrids for specific tissue regeneration (e.g. hybrids for bone regeneration and wound healing) are welcome.
Topics to be investigated in this unique collection may include (but are not limited to):
• 3D bioprinting of fully vascularized tissues;
• In vitro disease modeling using vascular cells, stem cells and 3D bioprinting technology;
• Tissue regeneration using 3D bioprinted vascularized constructs;
• Stem cell maturation within 3D bioprinted vascularized tissues;
• 3D bioprinted vascularized high-thoroughput assays
• Vascularized organoid generation using 3D bioprinting technology.