Title : 3D bio printed vascularized tissue model for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular applications
Abstract:
The goal of this research is to develop a bioprinted 3D tissue model system for disease modeling and treatment with a focus on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Such studies have been typically limited to two-dimensional (2D) culture systems, which fail to capture the complex functionalities of real three-dimensional (3D) tissue architecture. Using organoids as a cell source for organ-on-a-chip technology will enable the creation of more physiologically relevant models. In addition, bioprinting techniques will enhance the automatic introduction of a range of cells with high precision in microfluidic devices leading to less-time consuming experiments with higher reproducibility than the manual introduction of cells using pipettes. By mimicking natural tissue architecture and microenvironmental chemical and physical cues within microfluidic devices, reconstitution of complex organ-level functionality can be achieved that cannot be recapitulated with conventional culture systems. Despite the progress, there exists a significant challenge with regard to the vascularization of the bioprinted tissue constructs. There is a need to transport nutrients, growth factors, and oxygen to cells while extracting metabolic waste products for the long-term survival and functionality of bioprinted tissue constructs. Vascularization is strongly regulated by cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-cell interactions. The ideal bioink for mimicking the ECM environment should be capable of bioprinting structures with high resolution, possess strong mechanical properties, and demonstrate excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cellular viability. An extrusion-based six-head bioprinter (Celllink BioX6) is used for bioprinting tissue constructs. The bioprinted tissue constructs are imaged using fluorescence microscopy to assess cell attachment and cell distribution within the channel. Cellular viability if the bioprinted tissue constructs are assessed using live-dead assay and MTS (a calorimetric method for detecting the number of viable cells).
