Approximately 13 per cent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

More than half of the women with mid-stage/late-stage breast cancer choose to undergo mastectomy surgery, which involves complete removal of the breast and nipple-areola complex (NAC). The NAC is an important aesthetic structure on the chest, and restoration of this tissue is influential in the emotional recovery of these patients. 3D and 4D bioprinting is an attractive approach with the ability to create personalized NAC constructs with precisely positioned fibers and physiologically relevant mechanical properties.

Previous work from our lab has shown the ability to fabricate bioprinted NAC constructs that maintain projection and mimic the mechanical properties of the natural nipple.

Here, we will focus on improving the biofunctionality of the NAC through the incorporation of smooth muscle cells for cell-mediated tissue contraction and later, engineer an epidermal layer supported by a perfusion bioreactor. We will also demonstrate efforts to translate the NAC to market by evaluating the reproducibility in manufacturing large batches of 3D printed NACs in a GMP facility.

This work highlights the development of implantable tissue engineered constructs that can integrate with host tissue and ultimately work to improve the psychological health of mastectomy patients.