Abstract

In this talk, I will present our laboratory’s recent research efforts in developing rapid 3D bioprinting methods to create 3D tissue constructs using a variety of biomaterials and cells. These 3D printed scaffolds are functionalized with precise control of micro-architecture, mechanical (e.g. stiffness), chemical, and biological properties [1]. Such functional scaffolds allow us to investigate cell-microenvironment interactions at nano- and micro-scales in response to integrated mechanical and chemical stimuli. From these fundamental studies we have been creating both in vitro and in vivo precision tissues for tissue regeneration, disease modeling, and drug discovery [2,3]. Examples including 3D bioprinted liver and heart models will be discussed. I will also showcase 3D printed biomimetic scaffolds for treating spinal cord injury. Throughout the presentation, I will discuss mechanical engineer’s perspectives in terms of design innovation, biomaterials, mechanics, and scalable manufacturing. 1. Yu C, Ma X, Zhu W, Wang P, Miller K, Stupin J, Koroleva-Maharajh A, Hairadedian A, Chen S, “Scanningless and continuous 3D bioprinting of human tissues with decellularized extracellular matrix”, Biomaterials, Vol. 194, pp 1-13, 2019 2. Ma X, Qu X, Zhu W, Li Y, Yuan S, Zhang H, Liu J, Wang P, Lai C, Zanella F, Feng G, Sheikh F, Chien S, Chen S, “A Deterministically Patterned Biomimetic Human iPSC-derived Hepatic Model via Rapid 3D Bioprinting”, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2016, Vol. 113 (no. 8), pp. 2206-2211, 2016. 3. Koffler J, Zhu W, Qu X, Platoshyn O, Dulin J, Brock J, Graham L, Lu P, Sakamoto J, Marsala M, Chen S, Tuszynski M, “Biomimetic 3D Printed Scaffolds for Spinal Cord Injury”, Nature Medicine, Vol.25, pp.263-269, 2019.