Biofabricating murine and human myo-substitutes for rapid volumetric muscle loss restoration

The importance of skeletal muscle tissue is undoubted being the controller of several vital functions including respiration and all voluntary locomotion activities. However, its regenerative capability is limited and significant tissue loss often leads to a chronic pathologic condition known as volumetric muscle loss. Here, we propose a biofabrication approach to rapidly restore skeletal muscle mass, 3D histoarchitecture, and functionality. By recapitulating muscle anisotropic organization at the microscale level, we demonstrate to efficiently guide cell differentiation and myobundle formation both in vitro and in vivo. Of note, upon implantation, the biofabricated myo-substitutes support the formation of new blood vessels and neuromuscular junctions-pivotal aspects for cell survival and muscle contractile functionalities-together with an advanced muscle mass and force recovery. Altogether, these data represent a solid base for further testing the myo-substitutes in large animal size and a promising platform to be eventually translated into clinical scenarios.

Automated summary

This study proposes a biofabrication approach to restore skeletal muscle mass, tissue structure, and functionality rapidly, efficiently guiding cell differentiation and myobundle formation by replicating muscle anisotropic organization. Upon implantation, the biofabricated muscle substitutes support the formation of new blood vessels and neuromuscular junctions, contributing to muscle mass and force recovery. These findings provide a strong basis for further testing in large animal models and potential translation into clinical settings.