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3D Printing of Vascular Tubes Using Bioelastomer Prepolymers by Freeform Reversible Embedding
Houman Savoji1,2, Locke Davenport Huyer1,3,2, Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi3,2
1Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 170 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 18, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed novel, fast-photocrosslinkable bioelastomers for 3D printing. These versatile materials enable the creation of functional vascular tubes for tissue engineering and organs-on-a-chip applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Bioelastomers offer mechanical stability and versatility for tissue engineering.
- Traditional 3D printing struggles with bioelastomers due to low elastic modulus and long gelation times.
- Existing 3D printing methods favor hydrogels and rigid polyesters over bioelastomers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile 3D printing approach for bioelastomers.
- To synthesize novel, fast-photocrosslinkable bioelastomer prepolymers.
- To create functional vascular microstructures for tissue engineering and organs-on-a-chip.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of novel bioelastomer prepolymers from dimethyl itaconate, 1,8-octanediol, and triethyl citrate.
- Utilized freeform reversible embedding of suspended prepolymers for 3D printing.
- Fabricated tubular structures using secondary hydrogel support and photocrosslinking.
- Assessed material properties, cell viability, proliferation, and permeability.
Main Results:
- Synthesized fast-photocrosslinkable bioelastomers with Young's moduli of 11-53 kPa.
- Demonstrated successful cultivation and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
- Created permeable polymer microtubes suitable for organs-on-a-chip assembly.
- Confirmed endothelialization for potential vascular tube applications.
Conclusions:
- Developed a versatile 3D printing method for bioelastomers using suspended prepolymers.
- Created functional vascular microtubes with potential for tissue engineering and organs-on-a-chip.
- The novel bioelastomers support cell viability and vascularization, offering a promising platform for regenerative medicine.
