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Image-guided, Laser-based Fabrication of Vascular-derived Microfluidic Networks
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3D-printed fluidic networks as vasculature for engineered tissue
Ian S Kinstlinger1, Jordan S Miller1
1Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. jmil@rice.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|May 14, 2016
Summary
3D printing advances biomaterial fabrication for complex vascular networks in engineered tissues. This technology enables new strategies for tissue engineering and understanding vascular biology.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Fabricating vascular networks in engineered tissues is a major challenge.
- The structural complexity of vasculature has historically limited in vitro tissue engineering.
- Recent advances in microfluidics and 3D printing offer new fabrication strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review exciting 3D printing-based techniques for fabricating vascular networks in biomaterials.
- To discuss opportunities for using these techniques in vascular biology and tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging 3D printing technologies for microfluidic network fabrication.
- Examination of techniques for creating complex architectures within biomaterial matrices.
Main Results:
- 3D printing enables the fabrication of intricate fluidic networks within biomaterial scaffolds.
- These techniques leverage microfluidics and freeform fabrication capabilities.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing offers promising solutions for vascularizing engineered tissues.
- This technology can advance research in vascular biology, biophysics, and therapeutic tissue engineering.
