3D bioprinted composite scaffold incorporating microfluidics-derived chondrocyte microspheroids promotes auricular cartilage regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Microtia remains a major clinical challenge, as autologous costal cartilage transplantation-the current gold standard-suffers from donor-site morbidity and imprecise morphology, whereas synthetic implants are prone to immune rejection and structural collapse. Here, we present a biphasic composite strategy integrating microfluidics and 3D bioprinting. Organoid-like auricular spheroids generated via microfluidics exhibited a biomimetic architecture, featuring cartilage-specific collagen cores surrounded by organized chondrocytes, with sustained ECM secretion and phenotype maintenance. These bioactive spheroids were subsequently incorporated into a biomimetic bioink and patterned through extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, enabling precise anatomical shaping and functional scaffold construction.

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12860624 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature