3D‐Printed Biohybrid Microstructures Enable Transplantation and Vascularization of Microtissues in the Anterior Chamber of the Eye

Abstract

Hybridizing biological cells with man‐made sensors enable the detection of a wide range of weak physiological responses with high specificity. The anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) is an ideal transplantation site due to its ocular immune privilege and optical transparency, which enable superior noninvasive longitudinal analyses of cells and microtissues. Engraftment of biohybrid microstructures in the ACE may, however, be affected by the pupillary response and dynamics. Here, sutureless transplantation of biohybrid microstructures, 3D printed in IP‐Visio photoresin, containing a precisely localized pancreatic islet to the ACE of mice is presented. The biohybrid microstructures allow mechanical fixation in the ACE, independent of iris dynamics. After transplantation, islets in the microstructures successfully sustain their functionality for over 20 weeks and become vascularized despite physical separation from the vessel source (iris) and immersion in a low‐viscous liquid (aqueous humor) with continuous circulation and clearance. This approach opens new perspectives in biohybrid microtissue transplantation in the ACE, advancing monitoring of microtissue–host interactions, disease modeling, treatment outcomes, and vascularization in engineered tissues.

Research progress of photo-crosslink hydrogels in ophthalmology: A comprehensive review focus on the applications

“…In addition, it maintained the functional integrity of islet cells. After using the gene-encoded Ca 2+ indicator GCaMP3, it was found that capillary buds and new blood vessels could be formed in the islets within 2–4 days after transplantation under the microscope [ 204 ]. The study establishes a foundation for future biological tissue engineering and biohybrid technology.…”

3D printing and bioprinting in the battle against diabetes and its chronic complications

“…The 3D bioprinted pancreatic petals were found to continue the secretion of insulin and neovascularization after transplantation, thereby dropping the plasma glucose concentration in the murine models ( Klak et al, 2023 ). Also, Kavand et al (2023) constructed a microstructure that can hold pancreatic islets in a specific location within the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) and promote tissue engraftment ( Kavand et al, 2023 ). Chen et al (2022) reported the fabrication of 3D printed mini-capsule device containing islets that can be used for the delivery of islet cells as a treatment of T1D ( Chen et al, 2022 ).…”

Emerging approaches for the development of artificial islets

“…69,70 Moreover, hydrogels address several critical challenges encountered in islet transplantation, including issues related to host immune response, oxygen supply, and the establishment of adequate vasculature. 71,72 The development of artificial islets benefits significantly from the utilization of hydrogels, combining the intrinsic biological, physical, and chemical properties of both natural and synthetic hydrogels (Table 1). The functional attributes of hydrogels are intricately influenced by several key factors.…”

“…When it comes to the induction of islet organoids, hydrogels serve as a crucial supporting matrix both within scaffold and non‐scaffold structures 69,70 . Moreover, hydrogels address several critical challenges encountered in islet transplantation, including issues related to host immune response, oxygen supply, and the establishment of adequate vasculature 71,72 . The development of artificial islets benefits significantly from the utilization of hydrogels, combining the intrinsic biological, physical, and chemical properties of both natural and synthetic hydrogels (Table 1).…”