Electrohydrodynamic 3D printing of layer-specifically oriented, multiscale conductive scaffolds for cardiac tissue...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Mimicking native cardiac microarchitecture is crucial for effective cardiac tissue engineering.
• Existing methods struggle to replicate the complex, hierarchical structure of the myocardium.
• Conductivity and cellular guidance are key factors for functional cardiac tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hybrid electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technique for fabricating multiscale conductive scaffolds.
• To engineer scaffolds with layer-specific fiber orientations that mimic native myocardial architecture.
• To enhance cardiac regeneration by improving conductivity, cellular alignment, and functional synchronous beating.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combination of solution-based and melt-based EHD printing.
• Printed polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers with layer-specific orientations.
• Incorporated sub-microscale conductive fibers into the PCL scaffolds.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced multiscale conductive scaffolds with controlled, layer-specific fiber orientations.
• Demonstrated improved cellular adhesion, proliferation, and alignment of cardiomyocytes.
• Observed enhanced synchronous beating behavior in cardiomyocytes cultured on the conductive scaffolds compared to non-conductive ones.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid EHD printing technique offers a promising strategy for fabricating biomimetic scaffolds for cardiac regeneration.
• The developed scaffolds possess desirable properties including hierarchical architecture, electrical conductivity, and enhanced cellular function.
• This approach holds potential for regenerating electroactive tissues and incorporating biosensing capabilities.