3D bioprinting-based in vitro biofabrication and in vivo regeneration of adipose tissue, liver and embryonic tissues

Based on inkjet cell printing and bio-plotting 3D printing technology and stem cell biology, tissue-like structures with lobule unit like adipose tissue, liver, embryonic tissues and cancer were fabricated. Vascularized adipose tissue regeneration with functional blood vessel network and maintained weight and volume were achieved in animal model. An in vitro coculture model composed of human adipocytes and endothelial cells with spatially controlled distribution were fabricated. Detailed studies into the cell-cell interactions between the adipocytes and endothelial cells revealed a mutual-enhanced effect which resembles the in vivo routine. Hepatic stem cells were fabricated into a cell-laden structure and stem cell differentiation was regulated to achieve 3D liver-like microtissues with bile duct network, CYP3A4 expression and metabolic activity. Embryonic stem cells were bioprinted into cell-laden structure and high throughput and highly uniform formation of embryonic bodies were generated. These studies demonstrated powerful methodology for in vitro biological models, drug testing and tissue regeneration studies.