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On-Chip Construction of Multilayered Hydrogel Microtubes for Engineered Vascular-Like Microstructures
Tao Yue1, Na Liu1, Yuanyuan Liu1
1School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
Micromachines
|December 7, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed an efficient microfluidic method to create multilayered artificial blood vessels. This technique rapidly fabricates complex vascular-like microstructures for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Multilayered and multicellular structures are essential for creating functional artificial tissues.
- Engineered vascular-like microstructures are key for developing artificial blood vessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an efficient method for constructing multilayer microtubes with embedded microstructures.
- To demonstrate the fabrication and assembly of engineered vascular-like microstructures using microfluidics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a four-layer microfluidic device with two separate inlets for direct fabrication and assembly.
- Achieved alternating-layered microtubes by controlling fabrication, flow, and assembly times.
- Developed double-layered microtubes via a two-step assembly method and demonstrated inner/outer layer modifications.
Main Results:
- Successfully constructed multilayer microtubes with embedded microstructures within minutes.
- Demonstrated precise control over layer formation, including alternating and double-layered structures.
- Optimized on-chip assembly flow conditions for efficient fabrication of vascular-like microstructures.
Conclusions:
- The presented microfluidic method offers high efficiency for building engineered vascular-like microstructures.
- This technique holds significant potential for advancing artificial tissue and blood vessel development.
- The direct fabrication and assembly approach simplifies the creation of complex multilayered constructs.
