Real-Time Live-Cell Imaging Technology Enables High-Throughput Screening to Verify in Vitro Biocompatibility of 3D Printed Materials

Abstract

With growing advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the availability and diversity of printing materials has rapidly increased over the last years. 3D printing has quickly become a useful tool for biomedical and various laboratory applications, offering a tremendous potential for efficiently fabricating complex devices in a short period of time. However, there still remains a lack of information regarding the impact of printing materials and post-processing techniques on cell behavior. This study introduces real-time live-cell imaging technology as a fast, user-friendly, and high-throughput screening strategy to verify the in vitro biocompatibility of 3D printed materials. Polyacrylate-based photopolymer material was printed using high-resolution 3D printing techniques, post-processed using three different procedures, and then analyzed with respect to its effects on cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis of adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). When using ethanol for the post-processing procedure and disinfection, no significant effects on MSCs could be detected. For the analyses a novel image-based live-cell analysis system was compared against a biochemical-based standard plate reader assay and traditional flow cytometry. This comparison illustrates the superiority of using image-based detection of in vitro biocompatibility with respect to analysis time, usability, and scientific outcome.

Miniaturized free‐flow electrophoresis: production, optimization, and application using 3D printing technology

“…Notably and importantly, the biocompatibility of the material used in this study actually renders it a potential candidate for incorporation into a LoC system in for example, biological processes [13,14]. Future studies might seek to validate further modes of μFFE (e.g., isotachophoresis or isoelectric focusing) or to separate further biological samples, such as proteins.…”

“…The wax can be removed by melting and flushing at ambient temperatures [3,4]. Recently, our group has shown the biocompatibility of the acrylic material following different sterilization procedures for mesenchymal stem cells-a crucial prerequisite if 3D printing is to serve as a serious alternative to lab-on-a-chip (LoC) devices made from PDMS, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or glass [13,14].…”

3D-Printed Flow Cells for Aptamer-Based Impedimetric Detection of E. coli Crooks Strain

“…The 3D printing material used in this study is considered to be (in vitro) biocompatible, as has been shown in previous publication [61]. Therefore, the material is suitable for biotechnological applications.…”

“…Therefore, the material is suitable for biotechnological applications. Furthermore, the chemical stability against ethanol or isopropyl alcohol solvents, which are frequently used in the laboratory for material disinfection, was also shown [61]. Since a variety of different 3D printing materials are already commercially available, compatible material with suitable properties can be selected for the most diverse applications and experimental requirements.…”

Customizable 3D-Printed (Co-)Cultivation Systems for In Vitro Study of Angiogenesis

“…Nowadays, additive manufacturing technology does enable the rapid production of customized labware and high definition experiment-specific equipment—but limitations remain. Even though many 3D printing materials are commercially available, not all of them are suitable for biomedical applications, due to the lack of biocompatibility or sufficient surface properties, for example [ 32 , 33 ].…”