Abstract

The ability to bioprint microvasculature networks is central for drug screening and for tissue engineering applications. Here we used a newly developed bioprinting technology, termed laser-induced side transfer (LIST), to print human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to spatially guide endothelial tubulogenesis. We investigated the effect of three bioprinting matrices (fibrin, Matrigel and Matrigel/thrombin) on HUVECs self-assembly. Furthermore, we studied the effect of pro- and anti-angiogenic compounds on sprouting angiogenesis and tubulogenesis. We found that HUVECs self-assembly is optimal on Matrigel/thrombin due to the formation of fibrin stripes that enhance HUVECs confinement and adhesion. Importantly, we showed that treatment of printed HUVEC lines with the anti-angiogenic factor bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) significantly improves the percentage of lumen coverage. Our results showcase LIST as a powerful bioprinting technology to study tubulogenesis and to screen compounds targeting microvasculature pathologies.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.