3D cell assembly based on electro deposition of calcium alginate

Cell assembly is a key technique for tissue engineering and the creation of organs. However, the current techniques are mainly focusing on the cell culture on a flat plate, which environment is different from the in vivo. In this paper, we proposed a direct writing method for 3D cell assembly based on the electrode deposition of calcium alginate. Sodium alginate solution (1%) with suspended CaCO₃ particles (0.2%) are prepared and put on ITO plate substrate. One tungsten probe and the ITO plate are used as the anode and cathode respectively. By applying voltage on the electrodes, the gel will be formed on the tungsten probe. Therefore, gel with arbitrary shape can be written directly by controlling the position the tungsten probe. The reaction speed is controlled by adjusting the current density. The current results show the gel line can be written successfully with the moveable anode.