Tissue Engineering: Stereolithography‐Based Hydrogel Microenvironments to Examine Cellular Interactions (Adv. Funct. Mater. 19/2011)

Abstract

Unique multifunctional, biodegradable, and biocompatible hydrogels are used to encapsulate hippocampal neurons and myoblast cells using stereolithography to create complex 3D tissue structures. As reported by Rashid Bashir and coworkers, this system is able to accommodate both cell types, while a spatially patterned 3D co‐culture of these cells results in enhanced cholinergic activity of the hippocampal neurons. (Image courtesy of Janet Hanlon‐Sin at ITG Beckman Institute, UIUC).

3D Bioprinting of Tissue/Organ Models

“…[55] Furthermore,c ells produce and deposit the tissue ECM-a process that often depends on the cellular microenvironment. [117] Thec omposition of the bio-ink may play av ital role to boost the production of tissue-specific ECM. Self-assembling cellular spheroids may produce an ECM environment best suited for their own function.…”

“…Hence, a fine balance between the hydrogel concentration and cellular density to serve both purposes is often required . Furthermore, cells produce and deposit the tissue ECM—a process that often depends on the cellular microenvironment . The composition of the bio‐ink may play a vital role to boost the production of tissue‐specific ECM.…”

3D Printed Tissue Models: Present and Future

“…The mixtures of PEG-based materials can help to control and customize the degree of cross-linking so that the final mechanical properties can be tailored. Another method to achieve gel formation properties from PEG is the acrylation reaction in which the chemically modified PEG-based material can be gelled by photo-cross-linking under UV exposure. , …”

3D‐Biodruck von Gewebe‐ und Organmodellen

“…Häufig muss daher ein Kompromiss zwischen Hydrogelkonzentration und Zelldichte gefunden werden . Außerdem produzieren die Zellen die ECM des Gewebes – ein Prozess, der oft von der Mikroumgebung der Zelle abhängt . Die Zusammensetzung einer Biotinte kann die Bildung einer gewebespezifischen ECM entscheidend beeinflussen.…”