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Author Spotlight: Automated Bioprinting for High-Throughput Vascular Model Fabrication
Published on: August 16, 2024
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Triaxial bioprinting large-size vascularized constructs with nutrient channels.
Junbiao Zhang1,2, Srisurang Suttapreyasri3, Chidchanok Leethanakul1
1Orthodontic Section, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90112, Songkhla, Thailand.
Biomedical Materials (Bristol, England)
|August 21, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel triaxial 3D bioprinting technique for creating large-scale vascularized tissue. The method precisely loads multiple cell types and forms nutrient channels, overcoming key challenges in tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bioprinting offers significant potential for tissue and organ regeneration.
- A major hurdle in bioprinting large-scale tissues is the precise co-loading of multiple cell types while maintaining essential nutrient transport channels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel 3D bioprinting strategy for constructing large-scale vascularized tissue.
- To precisely encapsulate diverse cell types and simultaneously create functional nutrient channels within engineered tissues.
Main Methods:
- A triaxial 3D bioprinting approach was employed using a bioink composed of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and sodium alginate (Alg).
- Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were loaded into the bioink layers, while a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution formed the inner channel.
- The constructs underwent photopolymerization and ion crosslinking to ensure structural stability and channel integrity.
Main Results:
- A GelMA/Alg bioink mixture (5% w/v GelMA, 1% w/v Alg) exhibited excellent printability and perfusion capacity at room temperature.
- Constructs with integrated nutrient channels demonstrated enhanced cell survival, proliferation, diffusion, migration, and vascular network formation compared to acellular constructs.
- While channel inclusion affected mechanical properties (lower compressive modulus, higher swelling), it did not significantly alter degradation profiles.
Conclusions:
- Triaxial 3D bioprinting is a feasible strategy for fabricating large-scale vascularized tissue constructs.
- This method enables precise multi-cellular encapsulation and simultaneous formation of nutrient channels, addressing critical limitations in current tissue engineering.
- The developed technology holds promise for the preparation of complex, large-scale vascularized tissues for regenerative medicine applications.
