Moving Towards Functional Renal Bioprinting

Abstract

3D bioprinting technologies are rapidly developing and provide a platform for manufacturing structures that mimic the in vivo environment. Recent research aims to produce 3D bioprinted structures that recapitulate both in vivo structure and functionality. Advancements in both producing high fidelity and functional structures pave the way for full organ bioprinting. Full organ bioprinting holds promise for patients facing renal diseases given both the limited availability of donor kidneys for transplantation which offers the highest quality of life for patients facing renal failure. While the generation of a fully functional bioprinted kidney is a long-term goal, the first step is generating bioprinted functional renal tissue. Functional bioprinted renal tissue may pave the way for full scale organ printing and may offer a more accurate in vitro model for testing the renal toxicity of newly developed therapeutics which holds promise given the limitations of current preclinical in vivo and in vitro models to accurately predict renal toxicity of newly developed therapeutics in humans. Recent work showcases advancements toward renal bioprinting and advancements in the field of bioprinting more broadly may provide opportunities for advancement in renal bioprinting.This review aims to cover recent advances in renal bioprinting and opportunities for innovation. The review seeks to address the mechanical, biological and translational aspects of bioprinting functional renal tissue through an overview of recent advancements (last 5 years) in developing bioinks, utilizing existing 3D bioprinting methods to produce high fidelity printed structures, supporting viability, cell adhesion, cell distribution, functionality and vascularization, and considering important translational aspects of renal bioprinting including larger-scale printing,clinical potential, and prospects towards whole organ generation.