Clay Sculpture-Inspired 3D Printed Microcage Module Using Bioadhesion Assembly for Specific-Shaped Tissue Vascularization and Regeneration

3D bioprinting techniques have enabled the fabrication of irregular large-sized tissue engineering scaffolds. However, complicated customized designs increase the medical burden. Meanwhile, the integrated printing process hinders the cellular uniform distribution and local angiogenesis. A novel approach is introduced to the construction of sizable tissue engineering grafts by employing hydrogel 3D printing for modular bioadhesion assembly, and a poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)-gelatin-dopamine (PGD) hydrogel, photosensitive and adhesive, enabling fine microcage module fabrication via DLP 3D printing is developed. The PGD hydrogel printed micocages are flexible, allowing various shapes and cell/tissue fillings for repairing diverse irregular tissue defects. In vivo experiments demonstrate robust vascularization and superior graft survival in nude mice. This assembly strategy based on scalable 3D printed hydrogel microcage module could simplify the construction of tissue with large volume and complex components, offering promise for diverse large tissue defect repairs. Inspired by traditional Chinese clay sculptures, a revolutionizing tissue repair strategy with 3D-printed hydrogel microcages for irregular defects is proposed. In vivo experiments have shown that the hydrogel modules can be well vascularized and that the grafts placed in the hydrogel module can survive better in vivo than subcutaneously transplanted. image