Mimicking the Matrix: Bioprinting of Nanoscale Mineralized Bone Organoids for In Vitro Modeling and In Vivo Regeneration

Abstract: Replicating the mineralized collagen matrix and cellular architecture of native bone in vitro remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine. We have recently established a bone organoid bioprinting platform using human cells and collagen-based microgels with tunable mineral content in the form of biomimetic intrafibrillar hydroxyapatite to engineer microenvironments that promote rapid osteogenesis in vitro in the absence of osteogenic supplements and accelerate bone regeneration in vivo. The bioprinted “bone dots” represent a human, optionally patient-specific model system for preclinical testing to complement or replace animal studies. Moreover, the bioprinting platform is a potential scalable solution for the production of living bone graft alternative material for clinical use.

Learning Objectives:
1). Describe how bioprinting of bone organoids is accomplished.
2). Identify the key features of bone organoids required for in vitro testing of therapeutics.
3). Outline the progress towards developing bioprinted bone as a bone graft alternative.