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3D-Bioprinted GelMA Scaffold with ASCs and HUVECs for Engineering Vascularized Adipose Tissue
Ming-Huei Cheng1,2, Chien-Wen Chang3, Jerry Wang2
1Center of Lymphedema Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|December 27, 2023
Summary
Tissue engineering faces size limitations due to poor nutrient diffusion. Coculturing stem cells and endothelial cells in 3D bioprinted hydrogels promotes vascularization, showing promise for larger tissue constructs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Tissue engineering aims to repair injured tissues and address organ shortages.
- Large 3D tissue constructs face challenges with oxygen and nutrient distribution, limiting their size.
- Vascularization within scaffolds is crucial for supporting cells in engineered tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare different cell culturing systems for 3D bioprinted gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel constructs.
- To evaluate the efficacy of coculturing human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in GelMA hydrogels.
- To assess the potential of these constructs for vascularization in tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D-bioprinted GelMA hydrogel constructs.
- Employed human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in monoculture and coculture systems.
- Conducted in vitro cell viability and tubular structure formation assays.
- Performed in vivo implantation in mice to evaluate vascularization.
Main Results:
- Coculture of ASCs and HUVECs in GelMA hydrogels showed the highest live cell count after 21 days in vitro.
- The most abundant tubular structures, indicative of vascular networks, were observed in GelMA hydrogels with cocultured ASCs and HUVECs.
- In vivo studies confirmed the presence of blood vessels in HUVEC and ASC/HUVEC coculture hydrogels.
- The highest blood vessel density was achieved in the coculture group.
Conclusions:
- 3D-bioprinted GelMA hydrogel coculture systems support cell viability and promote vascularization.
- Coculturing ASCs and HUVECs in GelMA hydrogels is a promising strategy for enhancing vascularization in engineered tissues.
- This approach holds potential for developing larger, functional tissue constructs for regenerative medicine applications.
