A bioengineered trachea-like structure improves survival in a rabbit tracheal defect model

• DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo4272
• Publication Date: 2023-09-20T17:59:09Z
• Authors: Hai Tang; Weiyan Sun; Xiucheng Liu; Qing Gao; Yi Chen; Chaoqi Xie; Weikang Lin; Jiafei Chen; Long Wang; Ziwen Fan; Lei Zhang; Yijiu Ren; Yunlang She; Yong He; Chang Chen
• Keywords: Rabbit (cipher)

A practical strategy for engineering a trachea-like structure that could be used to repair or replace damaged injured trachea is an unmet need. Here, we fabricated bioengineered cartilage (BC) rings from three-dimensionally printed fibers of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and rabbit chondrocytes. The extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by the chondrocytes combined with PCL formed "concrete-rebar structure," ECM deposited along fibers, forming grid similar native cartilage. fiber-hydrogel were then alternately stacked BC on silicone tubes. This underwent vascularization after heterotopic transplantation into rabbits 4 weeks. vascularized was orthotopically transplanted end-to-end anastomosis segment had been resected. displayed mechanical properties transmural angiogenesis between rings. 8-week survival rate in 83.3%, respiratory these animals preoperative levels. may have potential treating tracheal stenosis other injuries.