Guiding Microbial Distribution by Regulating Oxygen Supply for the Fabrication of Integrated Artificial Auricles

Auricular reconstruction is a key method for treating auricular deformities; however, the primary challenge is the creation of an integrated scaffold that accurately replicates the complex 3D structure of the auricle. In this study, the oxygen-demanding properties of Komagataeibacter xylinus are leveraged to guide microbial distribution in three dimensions by regulating the oxygen supply within the bioreactor, which enabled the production of an integrated artificial scaffold with a detailed auricular profile. These results indicate that this microbial manufacturing approach can be used to effectively design and fabricate auricular scaffolds of varying sizes and intricate structures. The scaffolds exhibited excellent mechanical properties, remained stable and non-degradable for over 50 days, and showed good biocompatibility with human chondrocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Subcutaneous implantation in Sprague-Dawley rats is successfully integrated into the surrounding tissues without causing rejection. This method of using microorganisms to fabricate integrated artificial auricular scaffolds holds significant promise and offers a viable alternative to clinical auricular reconstruction.