Advancing Bioprinting Technologies: PCL/PEG Polymers as Optimal Materials for 3D Scaffold Fabrication

In the realm of tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting has emerged as a cutting-edge methodology, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for the fabrication of tissue-like structures with potential applications in regenerative medicine. The advancement of 3D bioprinting techniques empowers the creation of intricate, organ-like structures that can either replace damaged portions of organs or serve as substitutes for entire organs. Notable successes in in vivo experiments involving 3D bioprinted skin, bone, and bladder underscore the transformative potential of this state-of-the-art technology. The evolving landscape of healthcare underscores the imperative for a personalized therapeutic approach, necessitating innovative strategies in tissue engineering. The precision offered by modern techniques and devices, notably 3D bioprinters, enhances the success of this multidisciplinary scientific endeavor. A primary focus of our research is the development of a method for the production of artificial blood vessels, responding to the high demands in the field of vascular treatment and healing. The crux of artificial blood vessel bioengineering lies in the utilization of meticulously crafted scaffolds, strategically seeded with stem cells that differentiate into somatic cells within human tissue. In pursuit of the optimal scaffold design for blood vessel production, we propose the application of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers. Our results reveal a chemistry that proves to be optimal for this critical task, paving the way for advancements in the bioengineering of artificial blood vessels. This study contributes to the evolving landscape of tissue engineering and underscores the potential of PEG and PCL polymers in pioneering innovative solutions for vascular therapy.