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Bioprinting Cellularized Constructs Using a Tissue-specific Hydrogel Bioink
Published on: April 21, 2016
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Development of a 3D cell printed construct considering angiogenesis for liver tissue engineering
Jin Woo Lee1, Yeong-Jin Choi, Woon-Jae Yong
1Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon, 406-840, Korea.
Biofabrication
|January 13, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a 3D cell printing method for liver tissue engineering, overcoming hydrogel limitations. The technique successfully created a 3D liver construct with enhanced cell survival and function through heterotypic cellular interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Liver tissue regeneration research has primarily focused on 2D models, which do not accurately represent the complex 3D structure of native liver tissue.
- Existing 3D cell printing methods face challenges due to the poor mechanical properties of cell-laden hydrogels, limiting their application in tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D cell printing strategy for liver tissue engineering that addresses the limitations of current hydrogel-based approaches.
- To create a functional 3D liver construct using a multi-head tissue/organ building system with a mechanically stable framework and appropriate cell types.
Main Methods:
- A 3D framework was constructed using polycaprolactone (PCL) for its superior mechanical properties.
- A collagen bioink containing hepatocytes (HCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and human lung fibroblasts was infused into the PCL framework.
- A co-cultured 3D microenvironment was established to promote vascular network formation and liver cell growth.
Main Results:
- The 3D cell printing technique successfully generated a stable, cell-laden construct.
- The co-cultured system facilitated the formation of capillary-like networks and supported liver cell growth.
- Hepatocyte functionality, including albumin secretion and urea synthesis, was maintained and enhanced due to heterotypic cell interactions.
Conclusions:
- 3D cell printing technology offers a promising approach for creating complex, functional liver tissue constructs.
- The integration of a mechanically robust framework with a multi-cellular bioink supports cell viability and function in engineered liver tissue.
- Heterotypic cellular interactions within the 3D construct are crucial for improving hepatocyte survivability and functionality in liver tissue engineering applications.
