Human microvasculature fabrication using thermal inkjet printing technology

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Engineered thick tissues require vasculature for survival and function.
• Biological approaches like VEGF have limitations in vascularization.
• Cell printing offers a precise engineering method for microvasculature construction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of cell printing using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and fibrin as bio-ink for microvasculature fabrication.
• To assess the ability of a drop-on-demand polymerization technique to create functional microvascular structures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a drop-on-demand polymerization technique for precise fabrication of micron-sized fibrin channels.
• Employed human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and fibrin as bio-ink components.
• Investigated the cellular response and structural formation during the printing process.

Main Results:

• HMVEC cells aligned within the printed fibrin channels and proliferated to form confluent linings.
• Successfully fabricated 3D tubular structures mimicking microvasculature.
• The aqueous-based printing process caused minimal cell damage.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous cell and scaffold printing using HMVEC and fibrin is a viable strategy for microvasculature formation.
• This bioprinting approach promotes endothelial cell proliferation and the development of functional vascular structures.
• Cell printing presents a promising engineering solution for creating vascularized tissues.