| Abstract Scope |
3D bioprinting is a versatile approach for fabricating tissues with complex geometries and features ranging from the cellular to organ length scales. However, there are disadvantages with current approaches, and the need to improve the structure and function of the engineered tissue constructs. To address this, we have developed approaches to build extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds that mimic the structure and composition of the heart and other tissues and organs. Termed Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH), we can 3D bioprint collagen, fibrin, decellularized ECM, growth factors, and multiple cell types into complex 3D architectures. This includes organ-scale constructs based on patient-specific MRI scans that incorporate functional blood vessels and valves. Ongoing work is focused on cellularizing these constructs with human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to create beating cardiac tissues and extending these approaches to additional tissue and organ systems for in vitro disease modeling and in vivo regeneration. |