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3D Printed Hydrogel Multiassay Platforms for Robust Generation of Engineered Contractile Tissues
Rie Kjær Christensen1,2, Christoffer von Halling Laier1, Aysel Kiziltay1
1Department of Health Technology , DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark , Ørsteds Plads 345C , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark.
Biomacromolecules
|December 21, 2019
Summary
We developed a 3D printing method for creating tunable muscle tissue platforms. This technique enables reproducible manufacture of robust engineered muscle tissue strips with reduced fracture risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Reproducible manufacture of engineered muscle tissue strips is crucial for reliable analysis.
- The mechanical properties and 3D geometry of confinement platforms significantly impact tissue robustness.
- Previous methods faced limitations in controlling these critical design parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a method for reproducible manufacture of multiassay platforms with tunable mechanical properties for muscle tissue strip analysis.
- To leverage high-resolution 3D printing for precise control over platform geometry and mechanical properties.
- To minimize unwanted cell attachment during tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Stereolithographic 3D printing of low protein-binding poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels.
- Fabrication of platforms with embedded anchoring cantilevers for muscle tissue strip formation.
- Engineering suspended muscle tissue strips using C2C12 mouse myoblasts in a fibrin-based hydrogel matrix.
Main Results:
- Achieved reproducible manufacture of multiassay platforms with tunable mechanical properties.
- Demonstrated the ability to engineer suspended muscle tissue strips from C2C12 mouse myoblasts.
- Utilized 3D printing to design platform geometries that reduce local stress, minimizing tissue fracture risk.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution 3D printing of PEGDA hydrogels provides design freedom for engineering robust muscle tissue platforms.
- The developed method allows for precise control over mechanical properties and geometry, enhancing tissue robustness.
- This approach facilitates the generation of engineered muscle tissue strips with reduced susceptibility to fracture, advancing muscle tissue analysis.
