Gelation of Uniform Interfacial Diffusant in Embedded 3D Printing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• 3D Bioprinting

Background:

• Replicating complex perfusable biological structures remains a significant biofabrication challenge.
• Creating self-supporting, branched networks with varying channel diameters is particularly difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Gelation of Uniform Interfacial Diffusant in Embedded 3D Printing (GUIDE-3DP) approach.
• To demonstrate precise control over branching geometries and vessel sizes in fabricated perfusable networks.

Main Methods:

• GUIDE-3DP utilizes predictable diffusion of crosslinking initiators from sacrificial inks within a hydrogel precursor.
• The technique was adapted for seven printable material systems using diverse crosslinking mechanisms.
• Independent tunability of inner and outer channel diameters and seamless junction fabrication were achieved.

Main Results:

• GUIDE-3DP successfully constructed perfusable networks with user-specified channel dimensions and complex branching.
• The platform demonstrated versatility across multiple material systems and crosslinking methods.
• Fabrication of vasculature-like networks lined with endothelial cells was successfully demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• GUIDE-3DP offers precise control over perfusable network fabrication, addressing limitations in current biofabrication.
• This 3D bioprinting platform is suitable for creating physiologically relevant, lumenized structures with intricate geometries.
• The approach advances the development of self-supporting, complex perfusable networks for tissue engineering applications.