Applying 3D constructs for gene therapy

The main objective of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology is the development of 3D constructs combining biomaterials and cells to replicate tissues and organs. Using this technique, different kinds of epitheliums can be produced in order to imitate the in vivo environment with more precision than cell cultures. Such scaffolds are usually characterized prior to evaluate cellular response upon the addition of different drugs and genetic materials. The aim of this study was to make use of 3D bioprinting technology to develop scaffolds that mimic the in vivo lung environment to evaluate the capacity of niosomes (non-viral vectors) to deliver genetic material for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) genetic disorder.