A Novel Three-Dimensional Direct Controlled Cell Assembling System

Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technology has been widely used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) cell constructs. As multi-cell construct is a heterogeneous object (He-Object), it is a trend of biomanufacturing to use SFF technology to fabricate multi-cell constructs. In this paper, a novel multi-nozzle deposition system, called as 3D direct controlled cell assembling (CA) system, was developed to fabricate 3D multi-cell constructs. The developed system design was demand-oriented and applied functional modular design method. As the key part of this system, the multi-nozzle system was designed and described in details. Experimental study was conducted and results showed that the system could meet the requirements of the process and be used to fabricate complex 3D cell constructs. By comparison, the developed system could precisely deposite biomaterials with high viscocity and form constructs with big size in continuous deposition mode.

Modified Gelatin-Based Cell Assembling Process Using Glycerin

Cell assembly technology adopting the gelatin-based composite materials has found broad application in the field of disease mechanism research, drug development and organ reconstruction etc. But there are still several troublesome problems, such as the necessaries of high forming concentration of gelatin-based materials and the cell damage produced during extrusion. In view of existing situation, a modified gelatin-based cell assembling process using glycerin was brought forward. The results showed that adding 10% (v/v) glycerin to the existing gelatin-based composite materials, the cells inactivation effect under 4 °C or lower temperature environment can be reduced obviously, meanwhile, the glycerin has a compensatory effect of gelatin. It can significantly improve the forming temperature and the cell survival rate, get high cell survival rate even when the scanning speed is on 40 mm/s. In addition, the glycerin is easier to dissolve in culture medium in the tissue analog training process; it is more conducive to the rapid materials degradation, as well as cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. Therefore, modified gelatin-based cell assembly process with glycerin will be more widely used in tissue or organ in vitro assembly process.