TRANSLATIONAL 3D PRINTING; DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED STEM CELL ORTHOPEDIC GRAFT PROTOTYPE

Abstract

New integrated design-driven optimization approaches not hindered by the limited capabilities of 3D printing technology may be needed to enhance translational impact in the research field of 3D printing Tissue Engineering. In this context, by developing the prototype of an integrated 3D printed stem cell orthopedic graft according to a clear research plan where the effects of the geometrical parameters of the graft are not mixed with each other, this novel study triggers the development of a toolkit of microarchitecture-performance relations designed to tailor the large scale personalised biofabrication ability and regeneration capacity of the graft. The integrated design consists of a bio-inspired scaffolding microarchitecture and “form-follows-function” design micromechanisms in the design/manufacturing interface of 3D printing and microfluidics engineering. Additionally, this study isolates a primary adipose-derived stromal/stem cell population and suggests a further developmental pipeline, creating a complete design platform towards the future prototype to product development of the graft.