Standardized 3D Bioprinting of Soft Tissue Models with Human Primary Cells
Authors
Markus Rimann, Epifania Bono, Helene Annaheim, Matthias Bleisch and Ursula Graf-Hausner
Institution
ZHAW
Country
Switzerland
Year
2015
Journal
Journal of Laboratory Automation
Abstract
Cells grown in 3D are more physiologically relevant than cells cultured in 2D. To use 3D models in substance testing
and regenerative medicine, reproducibility and standardization are important. Bioprinting offers not only automated
standardizable processes but also the production of complex tissue-like structures in an additive manner. We developed
an all-in-one bioprinting solution to produce soft tissue models. The holistic approach included (1) a bioprinter in a sterile
environment, (2) a light-induced bioink polymerization unit, (3) a user-friendly software, (4) the capability to print in
standard labware for high-throughput screening, (5) cell-compatible inkjet-based printheads, (6) a cell-compatible ready-touse
BioInk, and (7) standard operating procedures. In a proof-of-concept study, skin as a reference soft tissue model was
printed. To produce dermal equivalents, primary human dermal fibroblasts were printed in alternating layers with BioInk
and cultured for up to 7 weeks. During long-term cultures, the models were remodeled and fully populated with viable and
spreaded fibroblasts. Primary human dermal keratinocytes were seeded on top of dermal equivalents, and epidermis-like
structures were formed as verified with hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining. However, a fully stratified
epidermis was not achieved. Nevertheless, this is one of the first reports of an integrative bioprinting strategy for industrial
routine application.