3D BIOPRINTING OF OCULAR TISSUES: CURRENT PROGRESS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES IN REGENERATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6220Palavras-chave:
3D Bioprinting, Tissue Engineering, Cornea, Retina, Iris, Retina, Bioink, Regenerative OphthalmologyResumo
Background: Eye tissue disorders affect millions globally, with limited treatment options due to tissue donor shortages and transplant complications. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has emerged as a promising approach for fabricating functional ocular tissues for both research and therapeutic applications. Objective: This narrative review evaluates the current state of 3D bioprinting technologies for ocular tissue engineering, focusing on cornea, retina, conjunctiva, and iris. We critically assess printing methodologies, bioink formulations, cellular components, and translational challenges. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of the literature was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for publications from 2018-2025. Articles were selected based on relevance to 3D bioprinting of biological ocular tissues with cellular components. Of 113 initially identified articles, 49 met inclusion criteria after quality assessment. Results: Current bioprinting approaches employ extrusion-based, inkjet, and laser-assisted techniques. Key limitations include achieving appropriate mechanical properties, vascularization, and regulatory compliance. Conclusion: While 3D bioprinting of ocular tissues has advanced substantially, significant technical and biological barriers must be overcome before clinical translation. Standardization of bioink formulations, improved printing resolution, and long-term functionality studies are critical next steps.
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