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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.09.28.560028

Nested biofabrication: Matryoshka-inspired Intra-embedded Bioprinting

Alioglu, M. A.·Yilmaz, Y. O.·Singh, Y. P.·Nagamine, M.·Celik, N.·Kim, M. H.·Pal, V.·Gupta, D.·Ozbolat, I. T.
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Abstract

Engineering functional tissues and organs remains a fundamental pursuit in biofabrication. However, the accurate constitution of complex shapes and internal anatomical features of specific organs, including their intricate blood vessels and nerves, remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the Matryoshka doll, we here introduce a new method called Intra-Embedded Bioprinting (IEB), building upon existing embedded bioprinting methods. We used a xanthan gum-based material, which served a dual role as both a bioprintable ink and a support bath, due to its unique shear-thinning and self-healing properties. We demonstrated IEBs capabilities in organ modelling, creating a miniaturized replica of a pancreas using a photocrosslinkable silicone composite. Further, a head phantom and a Matryoshka doll were 3D printed, exemplifying IEBs capability to manufacture intricate, nested structures. Towards the use case of IEB and employing innovative coupling strategy between extrusion-based and aspiration-assisted bioprinting, we developed a breast tumor model that included a central channel mimicking a blood vessel, with tumor spheroids bioprinted in proximity. Validation using a clinically-available chemotherapeutic drug illustrated its efficacy in reducing the tumor volume via perfusion over time. This method opens a new way of bioprinting enabling the creation of complex-shaped organs with internal anatomical features.

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Alioglu, M. A., Yilmaz, Y. O., Singh, Y. P., Nagamine, M., Celik, N., Kim, M. H., Pal, V., Gupta, D., Ozbolat, I. T.. 2023-10-01. Nested biofabrication: Matryoshka-inspired Intra-embedded Bioprinting. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.09.28.560028

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