3D Printed Hydrogel Multiassay Platforms for Robust Generation of Engineered Contractile Tissues

Rie Kjær Christensen, Christoffer von Halling Laier, Aysel Kiziltay, Sandra Wilson, Niels Bent Larsen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

We present a method for reproducible manufacture of multiassay platforms with tunable mechanical properties for muscle tissue strip analysis. The platforms result from stereolithographic 3D printing of low protein-binding poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels. Contractile microtissues have previously been engineered by immobilizing suspended cells in a confined hydrogel matrix with embedded anchoring cantilevers to facilitate muscle tissue strip formation. The 3D shape and mechanical properties of the confinement and the embedded cantilevers are critical for the tissue robustness. High-resolution 3D printing of PEGDA hydrogels offers full design freedom to engineer cantilever stiffness, while minimizing unwanted cell attachment. We demonstrate the applicability by generating suspended muscle tissue strips from C2C12 mouse myoblasts in a compliant fibrin-based hydrogel matrix. The full design freedom allows for new platform geometries that reduce local stress in the matrix and tissue, thus, reducing the risk of tissue fracture.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume21
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)356-365
ISSN1525-7797
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

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