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Biomanufacturing

Biomanufacturing - Poster Session E

Poster N1 - Microscope Enabled 3D Bioprinting

Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Introduction:  We have developed a bioprinting platform that integrates directly with an inverted microscope and enables novel workflows for in vitro model development. For example, we are able to monitor cellular behavior using an inverted confocal microscope over time, then dynamically pick and place cells with interesting behavior within a 3D culture system without disruption to the model. In another use case, we can 3D print collagen I functionalized polymers in a pathway and directly monitor fibroblasts laying down extra cellular matrix (ECM) along this path to create custom 3D cellular scaffolds.

Materials and

Methods:  Our platform utilizes a Nikon Eclipse ti2 with motorized XY stage as a base platform with a custom developed bioprinting platform that mounts to the condenser turret and optically aligns a printing needle with the microscope objective. A multi-stage syringe pump incorporated in the platform actuates bioinks within a multi-bore needle to simultaneously and independently deposit multiple cell types within a liquid-like solid (LLS) continuously deformable culture system. This LLS can be inert or functionalized with a customizable ECM that allows for cell adherence and migration. Initially a well from a custom developed 24 well-plate is filled with inert LLS, then a mixture of cells and functionalized LLS are deposited to form complex tissues. Over time the cells deposited in this manner develop into complex tissues.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Resulting 3D bioprinted tissues cultured in our platform show remarkable morphology and behavior. Functionalized LLS pathways allow for control over this morphology via fibroblast migration which binds LLS granules together while further functionalizing these pathways with ECM to further develop a robust microenvironment. The process of 3D printing, fibroblast migration for scaffold development, and finally target cell migration for the development of tissue structures are continuously monitored via confocal microscopy to show the entire process of tissue development. Our platform offers robust 3D bioprinting for the development of complex organoids while simultaneously monitoring cellular behavior which allows for multiple novel pipelines for the study of cellular behavior in vitro.

Acknowledgements (Optional):