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Hybrid Tissue Engineering Scaffolds by Combination of Three-Dimensional Printing and Cell Photoencapsulation
Marica Markovic1, Jasper Van Hoorick2, Katja Hölzl1
1Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), Getreidemarkt 9, Vienna 1060, Austria
Journal of Nanotechnology in Engineering and Medicine
|February 10, 2016
Summary
This study presents a novel two-step method for efficiently seeding cells into 3D printed tissue engineering scaffolds using photopolymerizable hydrogels. The technique ensures uniform cell distribution and supports cell proliferation, enhancing construct development.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing enables customizable tissue engineering scaffolds, but efficient cell seeding remains a challenge.
- Current methods often depend on scaffold geometry and pore size, limiting versatility.
- Developing methods for uniform cell distribution is crucial for creating functional tissue constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an efficient, geometry-independent cell seeding method for 3D printed scaffolds.
- To utilize photopolymerizable cell-laden hydrogels for improved cell handling and distribution.
- To create hybrid constructs combining rigid scaffolds with soft hydrogel matrices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D poly(lactic) acid (PLA) scaffolds using fused deposition modeling.
- Development of a hydrogel precursor using methacrylamide-modified gelatin (Gel-MOD) with a photoinitiator.
- Seeding of preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) within the scaffolds using the photopolymerizable hydrogel system.
Main Results:
- The two-step seeding approach was simple, rapid, and highly reproducible.
- Uniform cell distribution throughout the scaffolds was achieved with precise control over initial cell density.
- The resulting hybrid constructs supported cell survival and proliferation over an extended period.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers an efficient and versatile solution for cell seeding in 3D printed scaffolds.
- This approach facilitates the creation of biomimetic constructs with enhanced cell-matrix interaction.
- Hybrid tissue engineering constructs merge the benefits of rigid scaffolds and soft hydrogels for potential ECM remodeling applications.
