Chondrogenesis in primitive tracheal neocartilage: insights from 3D-printed silicone grafts in a large-scale animal model.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Tracheal cartilage has limited regenerative potential in adults, posing a significant challenge for tracheal repair. Here, we observed marked neocartilage growth in a porcine model after transplanting it with a three-dimensional (3D)-printed silicone tracheal graft.

Methods

Virtual silicone tracheal grafts of 2 cm in length were first generated using a 3D printer, and simulated a 3-month-old porcine trachea based on data from physical stress tests. After a segmental resection, a graft underwent end-to-end anastomosis at both the proximal and distal tracheal sections. Neotissue samples were later examined macroscopically, and their histologic properties were assessed based on results from the following: protein expression using H&E staining, alcian blue and safrani

SUBMITTER: Shai SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11909510 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature