3D printed controllable microporous scaffolds support embryonic development in vitro

Abstract

Little is known about the complex molecular and cellular events occurring during implantation, which represents a critical step for pregnancy. The conventional 2D culture could not support postimplantation embryos' normal development, and 3D conditions shed light into the “black box”. 3D printing technology has been widely used in recapitulating the structure and function of native tissues in vitro. Here, we 3D printed anisotropic microporous scaffolds to culture embryos by manipulating the advancing angle between printed layers, which affected embryo development. The 30° and 60° scaffolds promote embryo development with moderate embryo‐scaffold attachments. T‐positive cells and FOXA2‐positive cells were observed to appear in the posterior region of the embryo and migrated to the anterior region of the embryo on day 7. These findings demonstrate a 3D printed stand that supports embryonic development in vitro and the critical role of 3D architecture for embryo implantation, in which additive manufacturing is a versatile tool.

3D printable soft and solvent-free thermoplastic elastomer containing dangling bottlebrush chains

“…We envision that the introduced material, featuring a straightforward synthesis route and being compatible with widely-available DIW printing technique which produces self-supportive 3D structures without the need for any solvent or post-treatment, will attract broad interest in the materials science community. Thus, it may facilitate the implementation of bottlebrush soft materials in innovative applications where 3D patterning of the used material is required, such as soft tissue scaffolds, 40 sensors, 41 actuators, 42 and soft robots. 43 …”