Viability of Bioprinted Cellular Constructs Using a Three Dispenser Cartesian Printer

J Vis Exp. 2015 Sep 22:(103):53156. doi: 10.3791/53156.

Abstract

Tissue engineering has centralized its focus on the construction of replacements for non-functional or damaged tissue. The utilization of three-dimensional bioprinting in tissue engineering has generated new methods for the printing of cells and matrix to fabricate biomimetic tissue constructs. The solid freeform fabrication (SFF) method developed for three-dimensional bioprinting uses an additive manufacturing approach by depositing droplets of cells and hydrogels in a layer-by-layer fashion. Bioprinting fabrication is dependent on the specific placement of biological materials into three-dimensional architectures, and the printed constructs should closely mimic the complex organization of cells and extracellular matrices in native tissue. This paper highlights the use of the Palmetto Printer, a Cartesian bioprinter, as well as the process of producing spatially organized, viable constructs while simultaneously allowing control of environmental factors. This methodology utilizes computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to produce these specific and complex geometries. Finally, this approach allows for the reproducible production of fabricated constructs optimized by controllable printing parameters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Alginates
  • Biomimetics / instrumentation
  • Biomimetics / methods
  • Bioprinting / instrumentation
  • Bioprinting / methods*
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels
  • Software
  • Stromal Cells / cytology
  • Tissue Engineering / instrumentation
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Hydrogels