ABSTRACT
Tissue spheroids represent an innovative solution for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They constitute an in vitro three-dimensional cell culture model capable of mimicking the complex composition of a native tissue on a micro-scale; this model can function as a building block and be assembled into larger tissue constructs. Due to the potential tissue spheroids have for the evolution of the health industry, there is a need to assess the research dynamics of this field. Thus far, there have been no studies on their use as building blocks. To fill this gap, a study was performed to characterize the evolution of research where tissue spheroids were used as building blocks to generate tissue constructs. A scientometric analysis of the literature regarding tissue spheroid technologies was developed by quantification of bibliometric performance indicators. For this purpose, articles published during the period January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2021, from the Scopus database were organized and analyzed. The main subject areas, countries, cities, journals, institutions, and top-cited articles as well as the types of techniques, cells, culture time, and principal applications were identified. This research supports the definition and growth of research and development strategies for new technologies such as tissue spheroids.
ABSTRACT
This scientometric analysis of 393 original papers published from January 2000 to June 2019 describes the development and use of bioinks for 3D bioprinting. The main trends for bioink applications and the primary considerations guiding the selection and design of current bioink components (i.e., cell types, hydrogels, and additives) were reviewed. The cost, availability, practicality, and basic biological considerations (e.g., cytocompatibility and cell attachment) are the most popular parameters guiding bioink use and development. Today, extrusion bioprinting is the most widely used bioprinting technique. The most reported use of bioinks is the generic characterization of bioink formulations or bioprinting technologies (32%), followed by cartilage bioprinting applications (16%). Similarly, the cell-type choice is mostly generic, as cells are typically used as models to assess bioink formulations or new bioprinting methodologies rather than to fabricate specific tissues. The cell-binding motif arginine-glycine-aspartate is the most common bioink additive. Many articles reported the development of advanced functional bioinks for specific biomedical applications; however, most bioinks remain the basic compositions that meet the simple criteria: Manufacturability and essential biological performance. Alginate and gelatin methacryloyl are the most popular hydrogels that meet these criteria. Our analysis suggests that present-day bioinks still represent a stage of emergence of bioprinting technology.
ABSTRACT
Tissue spheroids consist of a three-dimensional model of cells which is capable of imitating the complicated composition of healthy and unhealthy human tissue. Due to their unique properties, they can bring innovative solutions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they can be used as building blocks for the formation of organ and tissue models used in drug experimentation. Considering the rapid transformation of the health industry, it is crucial to assess the research dynamics of this field to support the development of innovative applications. In this research, a scientometric analysis was performed as part of a Competitive Technology Intelligence methodology, to determine the main applications of tissue spheroids. Papers from Scopus and Web of Science published between 2000 and 2019 were organized and analyzed. In total, 868 scientific publications were identified, and four main categories of application were determined. Main subject areas, countries, cities, authors, journals, and institutions were established. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed to determine networks of collaborations between institutions and authors. This article provides insights into the applications of cell aggregates and the research dynamics of this field, which can help in the decision-making process to incorporate emerging and innovative technologies in the health industry.
