International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing

Special Issue on ‘Biofabrication of Functional Tissues and Organs’

Guest Editors

Prof. Jiankang He

Xi'an Jiaotong University, China

Email: jiankanghe@mail.xjtu.edu.cn

Prof. Y. Shrike Zhang

Harvard University, USA

Email: yszhang@research.bwh.harvard.edu

Prof. Zhuo Xiong

Tsinghua University, China

Email: xiongzhuo@tsinghua.edu.cn

Prof. Yong He

Zhejiang University, China

Email: yongqin@zju.edu.cn

Prof. Mao Mao

Xi'an Jiaotong University, China

Email: davidmao@xjtu.edu.cn

Introduction

The biofabrication of living tissues and organs stands at the forefront of biomedical innovation, offering multifaceted solutions to regenerate tissues, revolutionize organ transplantation, and streamline the development of safer and more effective drugs. This convergence of biology and engineering holds the promise of reshaping the landscape of healthcare and improving patient outcomes on a global scale. The advent of novel technologies such as 3D bioprinting, microfabrication, and cell sheet engineering has propelled biofabrication into the spotlight, enabling researchers to recreate intricate tissue architectures with remarkable precision. Recently, increasing awareness has emerged regarding the pivotal influence of certain distinctive or extreme features on cellular functionality. For example, nanoscale fibers can be produced on a large scale to determine cellular orientation and differentiation. Therefore, it is crucial to remain updated on the application of various rapidly evolving advanced manufacturing technologies in constructing living structures that mimic the complexity and functionality of native tissues.

The objective of this special issue is to establish a platform for researchers to present and review the latest advancements, challenges, and perspectives related to the biofabrication of living tissues and organs. Particular focus will be placed on the development of novel biofabrication technologies and the engineering of tissues and organs with high-precision features, complex geometry, and physiological functions.

Possible topics, within this scope, include but are not limited to:

Novel biofabrication principles or processes (organ printing, bioprinting etc) for living tissues
Micro/nanofabrication techniques for modulating biological functions
Biofabrication of large vascularized tissue/organ constructs
Biofabrication of hybrid tissue constructs with multifunctional functions
Cell-laden microfluidic devices, in-vitro tissue models, organ-on-a-chip systems
New applications of biofabrication for regenerative medicine and new drug discovery