Tubular Bioartificial Organs: From Physiological Requirements to Fabrication Processes and Resulting Properties. A Critical Review

In this featured review manuscript, the aim is to present a critical survey on the processes available for fabricating bioartificial organs (BAOs). The focus will be on hollow tubular organs for the transport of anabolites and catabolites, i.e., vessels, trachea, esophagus, ureter and urethra, and intestine. First, the anatomic hierarchical structures of tubular organs, as well as their principal physiological functions, will be presented, as this constitutes the mandatory requirements for effectively designing and developing physiologically relevant BAOs. Second, 3D bioprinting, solution electrospinning, and melt electrowriting will be introduced, together with their capacity to match the requirements imposed by designing scaffolds compatible with the anatomical and physiologically relevant environment. Finally, the intrinsic correlation between processes, materials, and cells will be critically discussed, and directives defining the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities offered by each process will be proposed for assisting bioengineers in the selection of the appropriate process for the target BAO and its specific required functions.

Automated summary

This featured review manuscript provides a critical survey on the fabrication processes of bioartificial organs (BAOs), specifically focusing on hollow tubular organs. The manuscript presents an overview of the anatomical structures and physiological functions of tubular organs, which are essential for designing and developing physiologically relevant BAOs. Various techniques such as 3D bioprinting, solution electrospinning, and melt electrowriting are introduced, highlighting their compatibility with the anatomical and physiological environment. The manuscript also discusses the intrinsic correlation between processes, materials, and cells, providing guidelines for bioengineers in selecting the appropriate process for target BAOs and their specific functions.