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The main objective of our research is to integrate advanced 3D/4D bioprinting techniques with novel biologically inspired nano or smart inks to fabricate the next generation of complex tissue constructs (such as vascularized tissue, neural tissue and osteochondral tissue). The 3D/4D bioprinting techniques offer great precision and control of the internal architecture and outer shape of a scaffold, allowing for close recapitulation of complicated structures found in biological tissues. Specifically, the term “4D” refers to the time-dependent dynamic process triggered by specific stimulation according to predesigned requirements. Our pioneering work in designing innovative 4D bioprinting smart biomaterials has shown huge promise for various tissue regenerative applications. Recently, a 4D bioprinted reprogrammable architecture using light-induced graded internal stress was created for the first time to achieve a 4D+ or 5D concept. Using this novel dual 4D technique, a proof-of-concept nerve guidance conduit was demonstrated with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells which were readily differentiated into neural cell types on the graphene hybrid 4D construct providing outstanding multifunctional characteristics for nerve regeneration. In addition, we designed and synthesized biologically inspired nanomaterials (i.e., self-assembly materials, and conductive carbon nanomaterials) as bioinks. Through 3D/4D bioprinting in our lab, a series of biomimetic vascularized and neural tissue scaffolds were successfully fabricated. Our results show that these bioprinted nano or smart scaffolds have not only improved mechanical properties but also excellent cytocompatibility properties for enhancing various stem cell growth and differentiation, thus promising for complex tissue/organ regeneration.
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