METHOD FOR 3D PRINTING OF VASCULARIZED TISSUES AND ORGANS

Smart overview of the Invention

The disclosed 3D printing method utilizes a droplet printer for creating high-resolution, photorealistic prints, combined with a device for applying electromagnetic waves. A novel capillary ink is used, which crosslinks or forms layers only at the ink drop edges, leaving unbound components to be removed. This process creates a capillary network with diameters up to approximately 10 μm. Additionally, a unique printer table and printer head supply unit are introduced to ensure the printed tissue is nourished and the bio-inks are mixed accurately.

Core Innovations

The method introduces several key innovations:

• A capillary ink that reacts only in the edge area, forming fine capillaries from individual cell layers, with non-crosslinked cells washed out to create capillary cavities.
• A distinct print pattern that arranges various cell types into a tissue plane with hollow vessels, simplifying the print image for cost-effective printing.
• A novel printer table that supplies nutrient medium to the printed tissue, preventing cell death.
• Controllable printer head supply units that mix cell and ink concentrations per volume unit, according to the printing algorithm.

Challenges in Conventional 3D Printing

Existing 3D printing systems lack the capabilities to create viable large tissues and organs due to limitations in resolution and cell type selectivity. Current methods either achieve high resolution without selective printing or allow simultaneous printing of different cell types but lack the necessary resolution. Techniques like Laser Induced Forward Transfer and stereolithography offer high resolution but are slow and limited to small structures. Other methods leave space for vessels but require transformation into an organism to form capillaries, a process that can take days and does not achieve natural tissue complexity.

Advantages of the New Method

The new method addresses these challenges by allowing selective printing of different cell types in one step while achieving high resolution akin to stereolithography. It also offers a rapid printing speed suitable for whole organs and includes a system for flushing newly formed tissue with nutrient medium during printing. The process creates a capillary system between arterial and venous structures, allowing fluid flow from arterial to venous, essential for organ viability.

Applications and Impact

This innovative method has significant implications for organ transplantation, reducing the dependency on donor organs, and for research and pharmacy, potentially replacing millions of animal experiments. It also advances regenerative medicine by enabling the printing of complex tissues and organs, offering new solutions for patients awaiting transplants and contributing to medical research and treatment development.