METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MERGING BIO-ELECTROSPRAYING, CELL ELECTROSPINNING MERGED WITH 3D MULTIMATERIAL MICROFLUIDIC BIOPRINTING FABRICATE HUMAN TISSUES FOR DRUG DISCOVERY APPLICATIONS

Smart overview of the Invention

The invention introduces an advanced method and system for fabricating complex human tissues by integrating bio-electrospraying and cell electrospinning with 3D multi-material microfluidic bioprinting. This integration is further enhanced by potential future additions of magnetic and acoustic levitation technologies. The primary aim is to create viable tissue models that can replace animal testing in drug discovery, improving the prediction of human physiological responses to various drug compounds.

Background

In the field of regenerative medicine, there is a growing demand for precision-engineered human tissues that mimic human physiology more accurately than current models. Traditional 3D bioprinting technologies, while promising, often fall short due to limitations in cell viability, functionality, and scalability. The existing methods fail to replicate the complexity and multi-material composition of natural tissues, which this invention aims to address.

Technological Advancements

Current bioprinting techniques, such as extrusion bioprinting, often lead to cell damage and low throughput. Novel technologies like laser-assisted bioprinting offer partial solutions but introduce new limitations. This invention seeks to overcome these challenges by merging bio-electrospraying and cell electrospinning with microfluidic circuits. These circuits allow precise control over fluid mixtures, enabling the creation of materials with graded structures at the molecular level.

Desired Outcomes

• Cell Viability and Functionality: Enhance cell survival and functionality during fabrication.
• Incorporating Multiple Cell Types: Enable precise placement of different cell types within a 3D matrix.
• Vascularization: Develop techniques for creating vascular networks within tissues.
• Tissue Complexity: Construct complex tissue structures that can respond to external stimuli.
• Biomechanical Properties: Engineer tissues with appropriate mechanical strength.
• Biomaterial Selection: Use materials that mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissue.
• Scale-Up and Clinical Translation: Ensure techniques are scalable for clinical applications.

Closing the Technology Gap

The invention addresses existing gaps by employing microfluidic circuits to create gradient mixtures, enabling the precise construction of multi-material structures. This approach allows for better integration of multiple cell types, vascularization, and tissue complexity while maintaining necessary biomechanical properties. By overcoming the limitations of current bioprinting methods, this system offers a more efficient and scalable solution for fabricating functional human tissues suitable for drug testing and other applications.