(PI-035) A 3D Bioprinting Tool* Using Mesenchymal stem Cells for Advanced Wound Grafting and Healing

Sydney Garner, MD; Noah Clements, MD; Kacper Kubiszewski, MD; Lauren Thompson, MD; James Jakub, MD; Thea Price, MD

Introduction: We have been frontiers in utilising a novel customised 3D bioprinting tool* using a patient’s own adipose tissue to print personalized skin grafts that fit the exact contour of their wounds. We have performed > half of the total number of cases in the United States (US). Through this study we aim to pave a path for future clinical applications, outcomes, and pitfalls to determine the optimal uses for our patients. 

Methods: We conducted a retrospective single center, single surgeon study between January 2025 and December  2025 involving 19 patients who underwent autologous fat grafting using this bioprinting tool*. Image capture software was used to determine the required adipose volume to print a customised 3D graft. Adipose tissue was extracted using a lipectomy procedure (10-15 ml for a ≤ 35 cm² wound) then filtered and washed with only saline to isolate the 3% mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) present. Grafts were printed with the bioink at a selected depth of 2-4 mm utilizing a freezing method (“fatsicle”) or intermixing with fibrin to reinforce mechanical integrity and malleability for enhanced wound cohesion.   

Results: Twenty‑four procedures were performed in 19 patients. The average BMI was 26.72 kg/m², and mean follow‑up was 131 days. Patients had complex wounds, including pressure injuries, chronic osteomyelitis, diabetic and venous stasis ulcers, traumatic foot wounds with scar breakdown, persistent pleural‑skin fistula, large melanoma excisions unable to close, and an IV infiltration injury in an immunosuppressed double‑lung transplant patient. Five procedures occurred in the OR; the rest were done in clinic under local anesthesia with excellent tolerance. Lipectomy was taken from the abdomen, posterior calf, or thigh, averaging 15.5 mL of fat. There were no infections, and grafts incorporated within 2–7 days. Only one patient, with chronic osteomyelitis, had graft failure. All others showed better‑than‑expected healing, with two wounds fully healed and six achieving >90% healing. 

Discussion: We believe this bioprinting tool is scalable as it can print up to 90 cm² at once and seems promising for prospective clinical applications wherever rapid coverage of a wound or operative site is indicated, and to replace typical fat grafting.