Bioengineering Full-scale auricles using 3D-printed external scaffolds and decellularized cartilage xenograft.

ABSTRACT: Reconstruction of the human auricle remains a formidable challenge for plastic surgeons. Autologous costal cartilage grafts and alloplastic implants are technically challenging, and aesthetic and/or tactile outcomes are frequently suboptimal. Using a small animal "bioreactor", we have bioengineered full-scale ears utilizing decellularized cartilage xenograft placed within a 3D-printed external auricular scaffold that mimics the size, shape, and biomechanical properties of the native human auricle. The full-scale polylactic acid ear scaffolds were 3D-printed based upon data acquired from 3D photogrammetry of an adult ear. Ovine costal cartilage was processed either through mincing (1 mm³) or zesting (< 0.5 mm³), and then fully decellularized and sterilized. At explanta

SUBMITTER: Vernice NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11852393 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature