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Biomimicking Trilayer Scaffolds with Controlled Estradiol Release for Uterine Tissue Regeneration
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  • Shangsi Chen,
  • Junzhi Li,
  • Liwu Zheng,
  • Min Wang
Shangsi Chen
The University of Hong Kong

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Junzhi Li
The University of Hong Kong
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Liwu Zheng
The University of Hong Kong
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Min Wang
The University of Hong Kong
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Abstract

Scaffold-based tissue engineering provides an efficient approach for repairing uterine tissue defects and restoring fertility. In the current study, a novel trilayer tissue engineering scaffold with high similarity to the uterine tissue in structure was designed and fabricated via 4D printing, electrospinning and 3D bioprinting for uterine regeneration. Highly stretchable poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PLLA-co-TMC, “PTMC” in short)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer blend scaffolds were firstly made via 4D printing. To improve the biocompatibility, porous poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) fibers incorporated with polydopamine (PDA) particles were produced on PTMC/TPU scaffolds via electrospinning. Importantly, estradiol (E2) was encapsulated in PDA particles. The bilayer scaffolds thus produced could provide controlled and sustained release of E2. Subsequently, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were mixed with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based inks and the formulated bioinks were used to fabricate a cell-laden hydrogel layer on the bilayer scaffolds via 3D bioprinting, forming ultimately biomimicking trilayer scaffolds for uterine tissue regeneration. The trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds thus formed exhibited a shape morphing ability by transforming from the planar shape to tubular structures when immersed in the culture medium at 37 ℃. The developed trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds would provide a new insight for uterine tissue regeneration.
05 Oct 2023Submitted to Exploration
08 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
08 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
09 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
22 Nov 20231st Revision Received