Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:05
Viability of Bioprinted Cellular Constructs Using a Three Dispenser Cartesian Printer
Published on: September 22, 2015
10.4K
Geometrical Designs in Volumetric Bioprinting to Study Cellular Behaviors in Engineered Constructs
Julia Simińska-Stanny1, Pierre Tournier2, Armin Shavandi1
1Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, Brussels, 1050, Belgium.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|November 4, 2025
Summary
Volumetric bioprinting with Gel-PEG resin enables precise control over cell behavior. Geometric variations in 3D printed scaffolds influence endothelial and cancer cell organization and survival, impacting tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Volumetric bioprinting (Vol3DP) offers advanced 3D fabrication capabilities.
- Understanding cell-material interactions is crucial for tissue engineering.
- Gelatin methacryloyl-poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (GelMA-PEGDA) resins are promising biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of geometrical variations in Vol3DP constructs on cell behavior.
- To evaluate a novel GelMA-PEGDA resin for bioprinting applications.
- To assess the utility of label-free holographic microscopy for live-cell analysis in 3D.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of a GelMA-PEGDA resin for Vol3DP.
- Fabrication of disc and channel constructs with varying geometries (60°, 90°, 110°).
- Culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and osteosarcoma cells (143b) for 14 days.
- Label-free holographic microscopy for real-time cell visualization.
Main Results:
- Gel-PEG resin demonstrated enhanced printing fidelity, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability compared to GelMA.
- HUVECs showed geometry-dependent spreading and alignment, reflecting vascular morphogenesis.
- 143b cells exhibited geometry-independent aggregation and enhanced growth in Gel-PEG.
- Holographic microscopy enabled dynamic assessment of cell-material interactions without staining.
Conclusions:
- Gel-PEG resin is a suitable biomimetic matrix for high-resolution Vol3DP.
- Geometric design of 3D printed scaffolds significantly influences endothelial and cancer cell behavior.
- This approach holds potential for engineering vascularized tissue models and studying mechanobiology.
