The fabrication and cell culture of three-dimensional rolled scaffolds with complex micro-architectures

Abstract

Cell cultures for tissue engineering are traditionally prepared on two-dimensional or three-dimensional scaffolds with simple pores; however, this limits mass transportation, which is necessary for cell viability and function. In this paper, an innovative method is proposed for fabricating porous scaffolds with designed complex micro-architectures. Channels devised by computer-aided design were used to simulate features of blood vessels in native rat liver. Rapid prototyping and microreplication were used to produce a negative polydimethylsiloxane mold, and then a planar porous scaffold with predefined microchannel parameters was obtained by freeze-drying a silk fibroin/gelatin solution of an optimized concentration. After seeding with rat primary hepatocytes, the planar scaffold was rolled up to build spatial channels. By reconstructing the three-dimensional channel model in the scaffold in the form of micro-computed topography data and observing the cross-sections of the scroll, we confirmed that the bent channels were still interconnected, with restricted deviations. A comparison of the primary hepatocyte culture in the scaffolds with and without the devised channels proved that our design influenced cell organization and improved cell survival and proliferation. This method can be used for the construction of complex tissues for implantation and for culturing cells in vitro for biological tests and observations.

Micropatterning Electrospun Scaffolds to Create Intrinsic Vascular Networks

“…In summary, we present a new technique that uses FDM to produce water‐soluble PVA templates as an indirect fabrication method for patterning microvascular networks within fibrous 2D structures. We anticipate combining this approach with rolling or layering of electrospun meshes will be able to create 3D organ scaffolds with an intrinsic vascular supply. This approach overcomes several significant challenges of engineered microvasculature including limited perfusion capacity, low strength associated with hydrogel approaches, and nondegradability for PDMS‐based approaches.…”

From intricate to integrated: Biofabrication of articulating joints

“…In many conventional tissue engineering approaches, the “interface” is an unintentional by‐product of combining the two main parts of the osteochondral construct, which were connected by just press‐fitting, suturing, melting, or gluing prior to implantation . However, further insights in the anatomy and function of the osteochondral interface have underscored the importance of proper integration between the bone and cartilage compartments . Incorporation of a calcified cartilage zone could improve interfacial shear strength of osteochondral constructs .…”

“…75 However, further insights in the anatomy and function of the osteochondral interface have underscored the importance of proper integration between the bone and cartilage compartments. [76][77][78][79][80][81] Incorporation of a calcified cartilage zone could improve interfacial shear strength of osteochondral constructs. 82 This interfacial region can also fulfil an important role as a structural barrier to prevent vascular in growth from bone to cartilage.…”

Additive Manufacturing of Biomedical Constructs with Biomimetic Structural Organizations

“…To construct fluidic channels with materials that are not compatible with AM, researchers have developed a variety of techniques to utilize AM-based molds. After architectures are made with the molds, the planar biomaterial structures can be either stacked [36,37,38] or rolled [39,40] into 3D complex constructs (Figure 1a).…”

“…( a ) 3D porous scaffold with biomimetic microchannels [39]. (i) Planar scaffold with microchannels were fabricated by replicating an AM-based mold; (ii) SEM image revealing the channel after rolling.…”