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Three-dimensional microstructured tissue scaffolds fabricated by two-photon laser scanning photolithography
Tseng Ming Hsieh1, Chien Wei Benjamin Ng, Karthikeyan Narayanan
1Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The Nanos, Singapore, Singapore.
Biomaterials
|July 30, 2010
Summary
Two-photon laser scanning photolithography fabricates highly controlled 3D tissue engineering scaffolds. These microstructured scaffolds enhance hepatocyte function and viability for improved tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing
Background:
- Conventional scaffold fabrication methods (solvent casting, porogen leaching) lack control over critical parameters like interconnectivity and pore geometry.
- Tissue engineering requires scaffolds that promote cell-cell interactions and efficient mass transfer for optimal cell viability and function.
- Limitations in current methods hinder the development of advanced tissue scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a novel fabrication technique for creating precisely controlled three-dimensional (3D) microstructured tissue engineering scaffolds.
- To utilize two-photon laser scanning photolithography (TPLSP) for high-resolution scaffold fabrication.
- To assess the suitability of TPLSP-fabricated scaffolds for hepatocyte culture and function.
Main Methods:
- Modified two-photon laser scanning photolithography (TPLSP) setup with enhanced scan height (30 mm) and speed (30 mm/s).
- Integration of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for precise control over scaffold architecture from submicron to larger scales.
- Utilized a biocompatible, UV-vis transparent photocurable resin for scaffold material.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated high-resolution, 3D microstructured scaffolds with excellent fidelity.
- Demonstrated uniform seeding of primary hepatocytes onto the microporous, cubic scaffolds.
- Hepatocytes cultured within the 3D scaffolds exhibited significantly higher liver-specific functions (albumin and urea production) compared to 2D monolayer cultures over 6 days.
Conclusions:
- Two-photon laser scanning photolithography (TPLSP) offers a powerful platform for fabricating designed and well-controlled 3D microstructured tissue scaffolds.
- The enhanced local concentration of soluble factors within TPLSP scaffolds is crucial for maintaining hepatocyte phenotype and function.
- TPLSP holds significant potential for advancing tissue engineering applications, particularly for liver tissue regeneration.
