Trends in 3D bioprinting for esophageal tissue repair and reconstruction

In esophageal pathologies, such as atresia, cancers, caustic burns, or post-operative stenosis, replacement is performed by using parts of the gastrointestinal tract to restore nutritional autonomy. However, this surgical procedure most often does not lead complete functional recovery and instead associated with many complications resulting in a decrease quality life survival rate. Esophageal tissue engineering (ETE) aims at repairing defective esophagus considered promising therapeutic alternative. Noteworthy progress has recently been made ETE research area but strong challenges remain replicate structural integrity approaches currently being developed. Within context, 3D bioprinting emerging new technology facilitate patterning both cellular acellular bioinks into well-organized structures. Here, we present comprehensive overview recent advances for reconstruction specific focus on ETE. Current biofabrication techniques bioink features are highlighted, these discussed view complexity native that designed substitute needs replace. Finally, perspectives strategies fabricating other tubular organ substitutes via briefly their potential applications.