Precision 3D‐Printed Cell Scaffolds Mimicking Native Tissue Composition and Mechanics. Issue 24 (7th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Erben, Amelie; Hörning, Marcel; Hartmann, Bastian; Becke, Tanja; Eisler, Stephan A.; Southan, Alexander; Cranz, Séverine; Hayden, Oliver; Kneidinger, Nikolaus; Königshoff, Melanie; Lindner, Michael; Tovar, Günter E. M.; Burgstaller, Gerald; Clausen‐Schaumann, Hauke; Sudhop, Stefanie; Heymann, Michael
• Other Names: Rodriguez Ciro A. guestEditor.; Dean David guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Advanced healthcare materials. Volume 9:Issue 24(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-10-07
• Subjects: biofabrication -- cellular orientation guidance -- high precision 3D bio‐printing -- tissue engineering -- two‐photon stereolithography; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2192-2640

Abstract

Abstract: Cellular dynamics are modeled by the 3D architecture and mechanics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and vice versa. These bidirectional cell‐ECM interactions are the basis for all vital tissues, many of which have been investigated in 2D environments over the last decades. Experimental approaches to mimic in vivo cell niches in 3D with the highest biological conformity and resolution can enable new insights into these cell‐ECM interactions including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion assays. Here, two‐photon stereolithography is adopted to print up to mm‐sized high‐precision 3D cell scaffolds at micrometer resolution with defined mechanical properties from protein‐based resins, such as bovine serum albumin or gelatin methacryloyl. By modifying the manufacturing process including two‐pass printing or post‐print crosslinking, high precision scaffolds with varying Young's moduli ranging from 7‐300 kPa are printed and quantified through atomic force microscopy. The impact of varying scaffold topographies on the dynamics of colonizing cells is observed using mouse myoblast cells and a 3D‐lung microtissue replica colonized with primary human lung fibroblast. This approach will allow for a systematic investigation of single‐cell and tissue dynamics in response to defined mechanical and bio‐molecular cues and is ultimately scalable to full organs. Abstract : 3D printed cell niches with the highest biological conformity and resolution offer tantalizing avenues for tissue engineering, cell and developmental biology. mm‐sized 3D scaffolds with micrometer precision, defined mechanical properties and low autofluorescence are fabricated from extracellular matrix derived gelatin methacryloyl. These scaffolds are compatible with various cell‐lines, including myoblasts colonized on alignment promoting substrates and lung fibroblasts on in vivo derived 3D topographies.