Oesophageal tissue engineering: optimisation of stereotactic robotic cell injection in decellularised oesophageal scaffolds

PURPOSE: Oesophageal substitution following atresia repair, caustic damage or cancer of the oesophagus can be challenging. We and others are working on engineering oesophageal tissue using a combination of decellularised oesophagi and cell injection. So far this has been achieved using highly operator-dependent techniques. This study aimed to establish a reproducible method for cell delivery into scaffolds. METHODS: To improve consistency, a stereotaxic robotic platform was adapted to deliver a suspension of porcine gelatin and cells in a 1:1 ratio. The scaffold was mounted on a 3D-printed rod linked to a stepper motor, enabling automated 36° rotation for circumferential coverage. Two circumferential rows, each rotated 36°, with 3 - 2 points at 3-mm intervals, ensured even seeding. Injection depth was calibrated to target the inner layer. RESULTS: Cells injected robotically remained viable, with no significant difference from manual injection. Post-injection analyses confirmed cell viability and distribution within the scaffold. CONCLUSION: Automated robotic injection provides a reliable, reproducible alternative to manual methods, reducing operator bias.