Tissue Engineering for Implants

What if a prosthetic knee could truly feel like part of your own body? In the groundbreaking study “Tissue-integrated bionic knee restores versatile legged movement after amputation” (Science, 2024), researchers unveil a new generation of prosthetic technology—one that doesn’t just attach to the body, but becomes part of it. Moving beyond sockets and surface sensors, they introduce the osseointegrated mechanoneural prosthesis: a fully implanted, three-layered system that anchors to the femur, restores original muscle geometries, and enables real-time, bidirectional communication between the user’s nervous system and a robotic knee. Two individuals with above-knee amputations, outfitted with this novel interface, achieved remarkable motor control: adapting to terrain, avoiding obstacles, and performing nuanced, biomimetic movements, far beyond what current prostheses allow. The secret lies in restoring natural signaling through implanted electrodes and anatomical muscle reconstruction, bypassing the limitations of external hardware. Even more striking, participants reported a stronger sense of embodiment, suggesting that the prosthesis wasn’t just functional; it felt like a part of them. This marks a paradigm shift in bionics: the future may not be in better machines, but in deeper integration with our biology. 👇 Read the full article on Science: https://lnkd.in/dngKRe7d #bionics #prosthetics #osseointegration #neuroprosthetics #embodiment #biomechanics #rehabilitation #neuroengineering #amputation #myoneuralinterface #futuristicmedicine #roboticlimbs #humanaugmentation #biomedicalinnovation

🟥 Bioprinting and Scaffold Integration of Organoids for Functional Tissue Engineering Bioprinting and scaffold integration are driving a new frontier in regenerative medicine by transforming organoids into implantable, functional tissues. While stem cell-derived organoids can mimic the structure and function of real organs, their clinical applications are often limited by size, shape, and lack of vascularization. But bioprinting techniques and biocompatible scaffolds now offer solutions to overcome these limitations, enabling the construction of more organized and physiologically relevant tissue structures. 3D bioprinting allows for the precise placement of cells, organoids, extracellular matrix (ECM), and growth factors in a defined spatial arrangement. When combined with bioinks tailored to the properties of the target tissue, researchers can fabricate complex multicellular structures that mimic native tissue architecture. The technology improves structural integrity and supports organoid maturation and integration into functional tissue units. Scaffold integration plays a key role in providing mechanical support and guiding organoid growth and organization. Scaffolds made from natural or synthetic biomaterials such as collagen, alginate, or PLGA can be engineered to promote vascularization, cell adhesion, and nutrient diffusion. These structures enable organoids to grow in a controlled, scalable manner and enhance their potential for transplantation or in vivo regeneration. Applications of the above technologies include printing liver, kidney, and heart tissue, integrating neural organoids with conductive scaffolds to repair the brain, and generating airway structures for lung regeneration. With the continuous advancement of biomaterials science, tissue biomechanics, and vascular engineering, bioprinting and scaffold technology are making organoid-based tissue engineering a powerful platform for disease modeling, drug testing, and personalized regenerative therapies. Reference [1] Michelle Huang et al., Nature Reviews Bioengineering 2025 (https://lnkd.in/eTb23WFw) #Organoids #Bioprinting #TissueEngineering #ScaffoldDesign #RegenerativeMedicine #3DBiology #StemCells #PrecisionMedicine #BiotechInnovation #Vascularization #TransplantTherapies #FunctionalOrganoids #CSTEAMBiotech

Excited to share our latest work, "#Engineering the #Hierarchical #Porosity of #Granular #Hydrogel #Scaffolds using Porous #Microgels to Improve #Cell Recruitment and #Tissue Integration," published in Advanced Functional Materials! In this study, we tackled a key limitation of granular hydrogel scaffolds (GHS) — limited porosity due to spherical nonporous microgels — by introducing porous microgels fabricated through thermally induced polymer phase separation. This approach resulted in: i) Approximately 170% increase in void fraction compared with nonporous microgel-based GHS; (ii) Preservation of structural stability despite increased porosity; (iii) Significantly higher and more uniform cell infiltration in vitro and in vivo; (iv) Up to ~ 78% increase in cell infiltration in vivo. This work sets the foundation for developing next-generation granular biomaterials with hierarchical porosity, improved cell recruitment, and enhanced tissue integration — paving the way for faster and more effective tissue repair. A big thank you to my incredible team for their outstanding effort! 👉 Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/euJPcnQs #weare #pennstate #chemicalengineering #biomedicalengineering #chemistry #neurosurgery #BSMaL #Biomaterials #TissueEngineering #Hydrogels #RegenerativeMedicine #PorousMaterials

I am very happy to share that our most recent paper titled "Advanced bioprinting strategies for fabrication of biomimetic tissues and organs" published by the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing is available online (https://lnkd.in/dZfHBuWf). This paper discusses the challenges and design requirements in the fabrication of 3D biomimetic tissue constructs, emphasising the need for advanced bioprinting strategies. The focus is on achieving biomimicry, including 3D anatomically relevant structures, biomimetic microenvironments, and vascularisation. Various advanced bioprinting strategies are discussed in detail, including advancements in both fabrication techniques and bio-inks. Future directions in advanced bioprinting systems are outlined, with special attention to multi-modal bioprinting systems, in-situ bioprinting, and the integration of machine learning into bioprinting processes. The critical role of bio-inks and printing methodologies in influencing cell viability is highlighted, providing insights into strategies for enhancing cellular functionality throughout the bioprinting process. The paper also addresses considerations post-fabrication, particularly in accelerating tissue maturation, as a pivotal component for advancing the clinical applicability of bioprinted tissues. The paper navigates through the challenges, innovations, and prospects of advanced bioprinting strategies, highlighting their transformative impact on tissue engineering. Thank you to all co-authors Ng Wei Long, Cian Vyas, BOYANG HUANG, Wai Yee Yeong 👏 ➡️ I hope you enjoy reading the paper! #3dbioprinting; #insituprinting; #bioinks; #biomimicry; #vascularisation; #cells; #tissueengineering

Recombinant Collagen for Engineering Vascularized Adipose Tissue: This study demonstrates a 3D bioprinting strategy to construct thick adipose tissue with integrated vascular networks. Using methacrylated recombinant human collagen (CollPlant) as the primary matrix, researchers embedded adipocytes and endothelial cells to form perfusable constructs with hierarchical vascular structures. The printed tissues maintained structural stability, supported spontaneous microvascular network formation, and successfully integrated with host vasculature following implantation in a rat model. rhCollagen-MA provides a consistent, animal-free collagen platform suitable for photopolymerization and complex soft tissue engineering. Read the full publication: https://lnkd.in/gc9hHQFZ More on rhCollagen biomaterials: www.collplant.com #bioprinting #tissueengineering #vascularization

Scientists at Tufts University have developed a bioengineered “smart” tooth implant designed to integrate with gum tissue and even reconnect with nerve pathways, something traditional implants can’t do. According to ZEM Science, this cutting-edge implant uses a biodegradable nanofiber coating loaded with stem cells and a growth protein (FGF-2), encouraging the body to regenerate soft tissue and nerve connections around the tooth.

In a groundbreaking experiment conducted by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), scientists successfully used spinach leaves as scaffolding to grow human heart tissue. The technique involves stripping spinach leaves of their plant cells—a process known as decellularization—leaving behind a translucent framework of cellulose. This remaining vascular structure, which closely resembles the branching blood vessels in human tissue, was then infused with human heart cells. The most notable advantage of using spinach lies in its natural vein network. One of the biggest challenges in tissue engineering is creating tiny, branching networks of blood vessels (capillaries) that can supply nutrients and oxygen to living tissue. By utilizing the already intricate vascular structure of spinach, scientists bypassed the need for synthetic methods of creating microcirculation, which are expensive and often inadequate. Once the leaf's cells were removed, scientists seeded it with live human cells, including cardiac muscle cells. These cells attached to the cellulose structure and began to contract, mimicking the beating of heart tissue. Although still in the experimental stage, this innovation could be revolutionary for regenerative medicine. It holds potential for developing bioengineered tissues and organs, aiding in wound healing, drug testing, and even cardiac tissue replacement after a heart attack. While more research is needed before it becomes clinically viable, this plant-based scaffold approach represents a fascinating blend of botany and human biology, proving that nature can inspire and solve some of medicine’s most persistent problems. https://lnkd.in/gfJ7Zyym

🫁 A woman just received a living 3D-printed windpipe — and her body is growing a real one to replace it. In a medical first, doctors at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in South Korea have successfully implanted a 3D-printed, bioengineered windpipe into a woman in her 50s — marking a milestone in the future of organ regeneration. After losing part of her trachea during thyroid cancer surgery, the patient received a custom-designed implant built directly from her CT and MRI scans. The 5-cm windpipe wasn’t made from plastic or metal but from a biodegradable polymer scaffold infused with stem cells and cartilage cells — a design that lets it function as a living organ rather than a mere replacement part. Six months after surgery, her body has begun forming new blood vessels and tissue within the implant — all without the use of immunosuppressants. Over the next few years, the synthetic scaffold will naturally dissolve, leaving behind a fully regenerated, patient-grown trachea. This breakthrough could transform the field of organ transplantation, eliminating the need for donor organs or permanent synthetic devices. It’s a glimpse into a future where 3D printing and regenerative medicine merge to allow the body to heal itself — one organ at a time. Source: BBC Science Focus — “Woman given a new 3D-printed windpipe in a world-first.” #3DPrinting #Biotechnology #RegenerativeMedicine #OrganTransplant #StemCells #MedicalInnovation #FutureOfMedicine

🧬 Printing Life: 3D-Printed Organs with Living Blood Vessels A team of American biomedical engineers has achieved a stunning leap in regenerative medicine: 3D-printed organ scaffolds complete with living blood vessels. For decades, scientists have struggled to create artificial organs that can survive once implanted. The breakthrough lies in printing tiny, branching vascular networks within the tissue itself — a lifeline of oxygen and nutrients that keeps cells alive, just as in natural organs. 🔬 How It Works #Bioinks: Stem #cells mixed with growth factors are layered with precision. Built-in circulation: #Vascular channels are printed alongside tissue, mimicking real organ development. Functionality: Early liver and #kidney #prototypes in animal models show rapid #vascularization and even #normal organ function. 🌍 Why It Matters This #innovation could one day: End organ donor shortages by printing #patient-specific #organs on demand. Reduce rejection risks with #organs tailored to individual #biology. #Revolutionize healthcare by scaling #personalized #transplants. ⚠️ Challenges Ahead Scaling production, ensuring immune safety, and moving from animals to human trials remain the next hurdles. Yet with human trials planned within five years, the vision of printing life itself is closer than ever. #Biotech #MedicalBreakthrough #3DPrinting #OrganTransplant #FutureOfMedicine #science #health #healthcare #mdicine #education #technology