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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
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Microfluidic Bioprinting for Engineering Vascularized Tissues and Organoids
Published on: August 11, 2017
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In vitro human tissues via multi-material 3-D bioprinting
David B Kolesky1, Kimberly A Homan1, Mark Skylar-Scott1
1Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Alternatives to Laboratory Animals : ATLA
|October 27, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D bioprinting platform for creating human tissues with cells, vasculature, and extracellular matrix. This technology advances tissue engineering and reduces reliance on animal models for drug development and disease research.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Multi-material 3D bioprinting is crucial for fabricating complex human tissues.
- Existing methods face challenges in replicating in vivo tissue complexity.
- The Lewis Bioprinting team at Harvard University has pioneered advancements in this field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present foundational research on a multi-material 3D bioprinting platform.
- To demonstrate the platform's capability in creating functional human tissues.
- To highlight the potential of this technology in replacing animal models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel bioprinting platform for rapid fabrication of 3D human tissues.
- Incorporated cells, vasculature, and extracellular matrix into printed tissues.
- Housed printed tissues in a perfusion system for controlled microphysiological environments.
- Subjected tissues to long-term culture (days to months).
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated a thick, stem cell-laden vascularized tissue.
- Demonstrated controllable in situ differentiation of the tissue toward an osteogenic lineage.
- Created a 3D kidney tissue model recapitulating the proximal tubule function.
- Showcased the versatility of the platform for various tissue types.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D bioprinting platform enables the creation of complex, functional human tissues in vitro.
- This technology offers a promising alternative to animal models for drug testing, toxicity studies, and disease pathology research.
- The platform opens new avenues for advancing regenerative medicine and personalized therapies.
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