Quantifying Oxygen Levels in 3D Bioprinted Cell-Laden Thick Constructs with Perfusable Microchannel Networks.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Thick tissue engineered constructs require functional vascular networks for survival and integration with host vasculature.
• Bioprinting enables the creation of perfusable vascular-like networks within these constructs.
• Direct quantification of oxygen transport improvements is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the improvement in oxygen transportation within 3D bioprinted constructs facilitated by perfusable vascular-like networks.
• To assess the role of perfusion in maintaining oxygen levels and cell viability.
• To understand oxygen dynamics upon perfusion changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D bioprinting to create cell-laden hydrogel constructs with and without microchannel networks.
• Employed an optical fiber oxygen sensor to measure oxygen concentration at various positions within the constructs.
• Monitored oxygen levels during perfusion and upon switching perfusion on and off.

Main Results:

• Perfusion is essential for maintaining high oxygen content and cell viability in cell-laden constructs.
• Oxygen concentration rapidly depletes when perfusion is paused and recovers quickly upon resumption.
• Quantified oxygen gradients within the constructs, demonstrating the impact of microchannels.

Conclusions:

• Perfusion through bioprinted vascular-like networks significantly enhances oxygen supply in thick tissue constructs.
• Understanding oxygen dynamics is critical for designing effective vascular networks in tissue engineering.
• This quantification provides valuable insights for optimizing channel design and predicting cellular responses.