Vasculature formation using three-dimensional cell printing technology

Vascularization for adequate supplies of oxygen and nutrients is one of the challenges in tissue engineering. We report the three-dimensional cell printing technology to construct vascular structure in hydrogel scaffold which consist of endothelial cells and collagen scaffold. We constructed multi-layered, inter-connected channels within collagen hydrogel through layer-by-layer approach. Collagen hydrogel precursor was printed and cross-linked with a nebulized NaHCO₃. Heated gelatin hydrogel was printed within the collagen scaffold as a sacrificial material, liquefied and washed out to fabricate channels after complete gelation of collagen scaffold. The channels was perfused by syringe pump showing ability to resist 200mmHg of trans-luminal pressure. Endothelial cells which form inner lining of the vascular system was printed within collagen precursor in tubular pattern. The capability of three-dimensional cell printing technology in vasculature formation without multiple complicated processes has a potential in vascular tissue engineering. The simplicity of the technology allows it to readily incorporate other types of cells or scaffold materials to construct complex tissue structure in the future.