Microfluidic 3D-bioprintad in vitro model of the proximal tubuli i multiwellplate format

Important results from the project

The project demonstrates the potential of combining coaxial 3D bioprinting features and novel bioinks to create hollow channels connected to microfluidic chips and perfusion systems for the possibility to generate in vitro models of the proximal tubule. Individual milestones were met with functional bioinks supporting vascular and tubular cells, printheads for coaxial bioprinting, microfluidic chips and perfusion systems, but cell functionality could not be demonstrated in coaxially printed channels.

Expected long term effects

A co-culture of vascular and tubular cells forming monolayers with high viability was achieved with printed sacrificial channels post-seeded with cells, representing a model of the proximal tubule. The developed commercializable technical solutions (printheads, microfluidic chips) could hopefully be used to create cell-laden channels with leak-proof connection to chips as a proximal tubule in vitro model, and other perfusion-based models, if further optimization of coaxial bioprinting robustness and resolution is achieved.

Approach and implementation

An efficient collaboration was established with partners providing expertise in respective areas of bioprinting, microfluidic chip design, cell functionality and perfusion. This allowed great knowledge exchange and iterative improvements, but the parallel work on work packages required the purchase of bioprinters within the project to enable bioprinting at each site. Limitations regarding resolution of pneumatic extrusion printing balanced with cell viability inhibited robust coaxial printing of cell-laden physiological sized channels connected to microfluidic chips.