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    Tissue Engineering

    Optimization of Cellular Constructs in 3D Bioprinting: Material comparison for optimal and functional smooth muscle incorporation

    (L-445) Optimization of Cellular Constructs in 3D Bioprinting: Material comparison for optimal and functional smooth muscle incorporation

    Thursday, October 12, 2023
    9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PDT
    Location: Exhibit Hall - Row L - Poster # 445
    Introduction:: The use of three-dimensional (3D) cellular models in biological contexts has a significant range of biomedical applications. In order to accurately mimic in vivo cellular conditions in 3D model in vitro models, it is necessary for there to be successful cell propagation throughout the construct. This requires the optimization of materials used that allow for smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and spread. In this work, we performed an analysis of various biomaterials in 3D extrusion bioprinting and casting to optimize SMC spread in 3D printed constructs.

    Materials and Methods:: Using gelatin-methacryloyl (gelMA) and silk, we explored the efficacy of different biomaterials using a variety of photo-initiators, including tartrazine, irgacure, and LAP, as well as several additives. 3D extrusion bioprinting was used to create printed constructs with gelMA with differing photoinitiators and silk bioink. Casts were created using gelMA, gelMA with collagen, and gelMA with pluronic as a sacrificial outer layer. All prints were crosslinked with ultraviolet (UV) light and all casts were crosslinked with blue light. The SMCs used were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a standardized protocol.

    Results, Conclusions, and Discussions::

    We qualitatively analyzed the morphology of the cells within the constructs compared to native SMCs found within donor pulmonary vasculature. Further quantitative analysis will be performed by determining the percentage of area of each construct covered by cells, nuclei counts, cell density per cm2, and functionality of the cells via calcium release. Based on the morphology of the cells in each of the constructs thus far, the cells within the constructs printed with cytosilk had the most spread as indicated by the spindle-like morphology and even distribution of the cells, indicating that cytosilk ink printing appears to be the most promising method of creating successful SMC spread within 3D constructs. Quantitative analysis using the aforementioned methods will provide further evidence for the efficacy of the different biomaterials in creating successful cell spread. Further investigation into the optimization of these methods and materials for successful SMC spread within 3D constructs is necessary, but these results will help establish a possible methodology for creating functional in vitro cellular models. This could allow for the study of SMC constructs and other cellular constructs in a variety of biomedical applications.



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