Directional biofabrication using collagen-based decellularized extracellular matrix bioink for multi-layered cellular...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Cellular alignment is crucial for tissue function.
• Existing biofabrication methods struggle with precise multi-layered cellular organization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel biofabrication approach for achieving controlled cellular alignment in multi-layered tissues.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of collagen-based decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) bioink with extrusion-based 3D bioprinting for cellular alignment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized extrusion-based 3D bioprinting with collagen-based decellularized ECM bioink.
• Combined experimental validation with mathematical modeling to analyze cellular and fiber alignment.
• Fabricated various tissue constructs including muscle, endothelial, corneal, neural, and bone tissues.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved significant alignment of collagen microfibers and encapsulated cells in intended directions across multiple layers.
• Demonstrated functional characteristics in engineered smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle tissues via myogenic differentiation (RT-PCR).
• Showcased successful fabrication of aligned endothelial layers, corneal tissue, neural tissue, and significant bone mineralization in engineered bone constructs.

Conclusions:

• The novel biofabrication approach effectively addresses challenges in creating cellularly aligned tissues.
• This technique advances tissue engineering by enabling precise control over cellular organization in 3D constructs.
• The methodology holds significant promise for diverse applications in regenerative medicine.