Vapor-phased fabrication and modulation of cell-laden scaffolding materials
Journal
Nature Communications
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
1
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
Bottom–up approaches using building blocks of modules to fabricate scaffolds for tissue engineering applications have enabled the fabrication of structurally complex and multifunctional materials allowing for physical and chemical flexibility to better mimic the native extracellular matrix. Here we report a vapor-phased fabrication process for constructing three-dimensional modulated scaffold materials via simple steps based on controlling mass transport of vapor sublimation and deposition. We demonstrate the fabrication of scaffolds comprised of multiple biomolecules and living cells with built-in boundaries separating the distinct compartments containing defined biological configurations and functions. We show that the fabricated scaffolds have mass production potential. We demonstrate overall >80% cell viability of encapsulated cells and that modulated scaffolds exhibit enhanced cell proliferation, osteogenesis, and neurogenesis, which can be assembled into various geometric configurations. We perform cell co-culture experiments to show independent osteogenesis and angiogenesis activities from separate compartments in one scaffold construct. ? 2021, The Author(s).
Subjects
bioengineering; bottom-up approach; cell; geometry; muscle; three-dimensional modeling; angiogenesis; article; cell encapsulation; cell proliferation; cell viability; coculture; defense mechanism; nervous system development; ossification; vapor
SDGs
Type
journal article