Progenitor Cell Sources for 3D Bioprinting of Lymphatic Vessels and Potential Clinical Application.

The lymphatic system maintains tissue fluid homeostasis and it is involved in the transport of nutrients and immunosurveillance. It also plays a pivotal role in both pathological and regenerative processes. Lymphatic development in the embryo occurs by polarization and proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells from the lymph sacs, that is, lymphangiogenesis.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Posterolateral Fusion Performance of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate with Submicron Needle-Shaped Surface Topography Combined with a Novel Polymer Binder.

A biphasic calcium phosphate with submicron needle-shaped surface topography combined with a novel polyethylene glycol/polylactic acid triblock copolymer binder (BCP-EP) was investigated in this study. This study aims to evaluate the composition, degradation mechanism and bioactivity of BCP-EP in vitro, and its in vivo performance as an autograft bone graft (ABG) extender in a rabbit Posterolateral Fusion (PLF) model. The characterization of BCP-EP and its in vitro degradation products showed that the binder hydrolyses rapidly into lactic acid, lactide oligomers and unaltered PEG (polyethylene glycol) without altering the BCP granules and their characteristic submicron needle-shaped surface topography.