Use of 3d-printed freestanding structures for ex vivo tissue

Abstract

The present disclosure provides information on the methodology used in the fabrication of three-dimensional cellularized tissue constructs from free-standing evacuable 3D printed composites and/or scaffolds embedded in an extracellular matrix mimic generated from biocompatible materials. The purposes of using these composite and/or scaffold materials is to generate complex embedded lumens that allow for complete perfusion of the matrix construct by standard cell culture media, thereby allowing for maintenance of large-scale 3D cell cultures in specific geometric forms. The use of biological extracellular matrix materials is to provide essential biological and mechanical signals needed to regulate the behavior of encapsulated cells. Furthermore, the methodology can be adapted such that the lumens generated are capable of being seeded with various endothelial and epithelial cell types as desired, thereby allowing for mimicry of in vivo vasculature, intestinal tracts, and other lumen-containing constructs. This disclosure provides the methodology for generating the tissue constructs.