Blood-derived biomaterials for tissue graft biofabrication by solvent-based extrusion bioprinting

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the different types of blood-derived biomaterials that can be used as solvent additives in the formulation of inks/bioinks for use in solvent extrusion printing/bioprinting. We discuss the properties of various blood sub-products obtained after blood fractionation in terms of their use in tailoring ink/bioink to produce functional constructs designed to improve tissue repair. Blood-derived additives include platelets and/or their secretome, including signaling proteins and microvesicles, which can drive cell migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. The contribution of plasma to ink/bioink functionalization relies not only on growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor and insulin growth factors, but also on adhesive proteins, such as fibrinogen/fibrin, vitronectin, and fibronectin. We review the current developments and progress in solvent-based extrusion printing/bioprinting with inks/bioinks functionalized with different blood-derived products, leading toward the development of more advanced patient-specific 3D constructs in multiple medical fields, including but not limited to oral tissues and cartilage, bone, skin, liver, and neural tissues. This information will assist researchers in identifying the most suitable blood-derived product for their ink/bioink formulation based on the intended regenerative functionality of the target tissue.