A research team at the University of Washington has developed a new additively manufactured microsystem that allows tissue modeling in the laboratory with higher spatial resolution and structural complexity. The system, called STOMP (Suspended Tissue Open Microfluidic Patterning), is based on an open microfluidic structure and aims to specifically arrange different cell types within a coherent tissue. It therefore offers new possibilities for research into complex tissue interactions and disease models.
The STOMP device is integrated into existing two-post systems, such as those used to measure cell contraction forces in cardiovascular studies. The platform uses capillary forces to direct cell-containing hydrogels into defined areas – without additional actuators or pumps. The geometry of the system allows different cell populations to be placed in a single casting process. The hydrogel technology originating from the DeForest Lab complements the system with biodegradable boundaries that enable the gentle release of the generated tissue structures.
“Normally when you put cells in a 3D gel,” Nate Sniadecki said, “they will use their own contractile forces to pull everything together — which causes the tissue to shrink away from the walls of the mold. But not every cell is super strong, and not every biomaterial can get remodeled like that. So that kind of nonstick quality gave us more versatility.”
In an experimental setup, researchers were able to analyze differences in the contraction dynamics of healthy and diseased heart tissue, among other things. Another experiment modeled the periodontal ligament, which connects teeth to the jawbone.
“This method opens new possibilities for tissue engineering and cell signaling research,” she said. “It was a true team effort of multiple groups working across disciplines.”
The project was supported by funding from the NIH and other institutions. Additive manufacturing plays a central role here, as it enables the flexible and reproducible production of complex structures on a laboratory scale.
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