REVIEW
Cell and Organ Transplantology. 2026; 14(1):e2026141190.
DOI: 10.22494/cot.v14-1.190
3D bioprinted hydrogel systems for mesenchymal stem cell delivery in chronic wound healing: emerging strategies and clinical potential
Bahalika A.
, Lutsenko T.
- National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Abstract
The healing of chronic wounds, particularly diabetic ulcers and burns, remains a complex clinical challenge due to prolonged inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and disruptions in the normal interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those isolated from adipose tissue, demonstrate significant therapeutic potential due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties. However, their direct injection into a wound is ineffective due to low cell survival in the inflammatory environment and rapid washout.
The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current advances in optimizing the delivery of MSCs to chronic wounds, specifically to evaluate the use of hydrogel scaffolds and 3D bioprinting technologies to ensure cell viability and maximize their regenerative potential.
Materials and methods. The narrative review is based on an analysis of in vitro and in vivo research results. The use of hydrogels based on natural polymers (alginate, collagen, hyaluronic acid) as scaffolds for MSCs isolated from adipose tissue was evaluated. The application of 3D bioprinting technologies was also considered for the creation of three-dimensional biocompatible structures.
Results. The analysis revealed that 3D polymer networks effectively mimic the extracellular matrix and protect cells from the effects of reactive oxygen species. The application of encapsulated MSCs in a hydrogel matrix ensures a stable and sustained release of bioactive substances. A clear tendency towards a significant acceleration of epithelialization processes, stimulation of angiogenesis, and increased collagen deposition in the wound was observed compared to direct cell delivery methods.
Conclusions. The utilization of hydrogels and 3D bioprinting technologies for the encapsulation of MSCs is a promising strategy that overcomes the problem of low cell viability. Such scaffolds support cell proliferation and differentiation, facilitating rapid and complete tissue regeneration with minimal scarring.
Keywords: chronic wounds; mesenchymal stem cells; hydrogels; 3D bioprinting; regenerative medicine
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Bahalika A, Lutsenko T. 3D bioprinted hydrogel systems for mesenchymal stem cell delivery in chronic wound healing: emerging strategies and clinical potential. Cell Organ Transpl. 2026; 14(1):e2026141190. doi: https://doi.org/10.22494/cot.v14-1.190
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