Breast Reconstruction Using Biofabrication-Based Tissue Engineering Strategies

Breast cancer is a major cause of illness for Australian women. Following tumour resection, breast reconstruction is undertaken for cosmetic and psychological reasons. Reconstruction using silicone-based implants leads to complications such as formation of a rigid fibrous tissue surrounding the implant giving a spherical and unnatural appearance to the breast. Reconstruction using autologous tissue is associated with donor site morbidity, tissue resorption and necrosis. Cell-based tissue engineering is an emerging approach to overcome these problems. Fully vascularised adipose tissue can be engineered in vivo with the help of patient-specific bioabsorbable implants fabricated by additive manufacturing. This chapter focuses on a review of such manufacturing techniques and the strategies being developed to engineer long-term fully vascularised and sustainable adipose tissue.