Authors: Aixiang Ding, Sang Jin Lee, Rui Tang, Kaelyn L. Gasvoda, Felicia He, Eben Alsberg
Published: 2022-08-17
Source: Full article
Abstract4D bioprinting techniques that facilitate formation of shape‐changing scaffold‐free cell condensates with prescribed geometries have yet been demonstrated. Here, a simple 4D bioprinting approach is presented that enables formation of a shape‐morphing cell condensate‐laden bilayer system. The strategy produces scaffold‐free cell condensates which morph over time into predefined complex shapes. Cell condensate‐laden bilayers with specific geometries are readily fabricated by bioprinting technologies. The bilayers have tunable deformability and microgel (MG) degradation, enabling controllable morphological transformations and on‐demand liberation of deformed cell condensates. With this system, large cell condensate‐laden constructs with various complex shapes are obtained. As a proof‐of‐concept study, the formation of the letter “C”‐ and helix‐shaped robust cartilage‐like tissues differentiated from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is demonstrated. This system brings about a versatile 4D bioprinting platform idea that is anticipated to broaden and facilitate the applications of cell condensation‐based 4D bioprinting.