Multi-tissue layering and path planning of in situ bioprinting for complex skin and soft tissue defects

Purpose: Reconstructing multi-layer tissue structure using cell printing to repairing complex tissue defect is a challenging task, especially using in situ bioprinting. This study aims to propose a method of in situ bioprinting multi-tissue layering and path planning for complex skin and soft tissue defects. Design/methodology/approach: The scanned three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of the skin and soft tissue defect is taken as the input data, the depth value of the defect is then calculated using a two-step grid division method, and the tissue layer is judged according to the depth value. Then, the surface layering and path planning in the normal direction are performed for different tissue layers to achieve precise tissue layering filling of complex skin soft tissue defects. Findings: The two-step grid method can accurately calculate the depth of skin and soft tissue defects and judge the tissue layer accordingly. In the in situ bioprinting experiment of the defect model, the defect can be completely closed. The defect can be reconstructed in situ, and the reconstructed structure is basically the same as the original skin tissue structure, proving the feasibility of the proposed method. Originality/value: This study proposes an in situ bioprinting multi-tissue layering and path planning method for complex skin and soft tissue defects, which can directly convert the scanned 3D point cloud into a multi-tissue in situ bioprinting path. The printed result has a similar structure to that of the original skin tissue, which can make cells or growth factors act on the corresponding tissue layer targets.