The preliminary extruding technology with two-material source for 3D assembly

Cell direct controlled assembly technology with one material source is grown-up increasingly, but can´t satisfy the multi-cell assembly requirements. On this condition, it is becoming a needed research program to develop an assembly technology which can distribute a variety of cells and biological activity materials to a specifically location precisely and noninvasively, so that a multi-cell structure similar to natural tissue structure and function can be constructed. Here utilizing an in-house single nozzle assembly technology based on rapid prototyping and controlled forming process with cell gelatin-based hydrogels, develop a kernel of multi-cell directly controlled assembly technology, namely the two-material source controlled extruding technology. It mainly includes a multi-nozzle switched on-demand extruding technology and a single nozzle with a multi-material source delivery extruding technology, it is possible to directly manipulate cells with bionic extracellular matrices and arrange them in proper spatial sites according to predefined digital models to form living constructs. The experimental formed 3D cell structure was 3–4 mm high and cultured for 8 weeks, actually, there is no limitation for the size and height of the 3D organ analogs. This technology will direct promote the development of multi-cell controlled assembly technology; consequently promote the manufacturing engineering of artificial organs greatly.