The development of 3D bioprinting in recent years has provided new insights into the creation of in vitro microenvironments for promoting stem cell-based regeneration. Sweat glands (SGs) are mainly responsible for thermoregulation and are a highly differentiated organ with limited regenerative ability. Recent studies have focused on stem cell-based therapies as strategies for repairing SGs after deep dermal injury. In this review, we highlight the recent trend in 3D bioprinted native-like microenvironments and emphasize recent advances in functional SG regeneration using this technology. Furthermore, we discuss five possible regulatory mechanisms in terms of biochemical factors and structural and mechanical cues from 3D bioprinted microenvironments, as well as the most promising regulation from neighbor cells and the vascular microenvironment.
Keywords: 3D bioprinting; Microenvironment; Stem cells; Sweat glands regeneration.
© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press.