Biofabrication of 3D cell-encapsulated tubular constructs using dynamic optical projection stereolithography

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2019 Mar 6;30(3):36. doi: 10.1007/s10856-019-6239-5.

Abstract

It has been widely recognized that one of the critical limitations in biofabrication of functional tissues/organs is lack of vascular networks which provide tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients. Biofabrication of 3D vascular-like constructs is a reasonable first step towards successful printing of functional tissues and organs. In this paper, a dynamic optical projection stereolithography system has been implemented to successfully fabricate 3D Y-shaped tubular constructs with living cells encapsulated. The effects of operating conditions on the cure depth of a single layer have been investigated, such as UV intensity, exposure time, and cell density. A phase diagram has been constructed to identify optimal operating conditions. Cell viability immediately after printing has been measured to be around 75%. Post-printing mechanical properties, swelling properties, and microstructures of the gelatin methacrylate hydrogels have been characterized. The resulting fabrication knowledge helps to effectively and efficiently print tissue-engineered vascular networks with complex geometries.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Equipment Design
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gelatin / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods*
  • Stereolithography / instrumentation*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Methacrylates
  • Gelatin