3D Bioprinting of tissues with integrated high density blood vessel networks
AIM
To create complex, hierarchical, highly vascularized tissues by combining advanced microgel technology with an enabling 3D bioprinting platform.
INTRODUCTION
The emergence of 3D printing has led to significant advancements in the field of vascularized tissue engineering. More recently, embedded 3D printing has emerged as a promising strategy to create complex vascular networks in true 3D fashion. Microgels offer an interesting tool in the use of embedded bioprinting, as they can serve the role of print bath as well as that of a functional building block when biological components are included. Our lab is a global leader in microgel fabrication and we have developed an extensive, innovative, and easy to use toolkit to produce a wide variety of biologically relevant micromaterials.
This assignment focuses on combining these microgels with 3D printing to create complex, hierarchical, vascularized networks.
GOALS
1. Producing dual-crosslinkable microgels using IAMF
2. Encapsulate cells within microgels
3. Create complex, hierarchical tissues from microgel building blocks
4. 3D printing of vascular networks within complex tissues
TECHNIQUES
Advanced microfluidic droplet generation, in-air microfluidics, 3D Bioprinting, cell culture, cell encapsulation, fluorescence confocal microscopy, polymer synthesis, amongst others. The used techniques can be tailored based on the desired learning goals of the prospective student.
This assignment will therefore provide you with a highly competitive skill set based on a combination of engineering, biology and chemistry as well as in depth use of advanced biofabrication techniques.