title: A novel method for fabricating engineered structures with branched micro-channel using hollow hydrogel fibers.
abstract: Vascularization plays a crucial role in the regeneration of different damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Vascularized networks bring sufficient nutrients and oxygen to implants and receptors. However, the fabrication of engineered structures with branched micro-channels (ESBM) is still the main technological barrier. To address this problem, this paper introduced a novel method for fabricating ESBM; the manufacturability and feasibility of this method was investigated. A triaxial nozzle with automatic cleaning function was mounted on a homemade 3D bioprinter to coaxially extrude sodium alginate (NaAlg) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) to form the hollow hydrogel fibers. With the incompleteness of cross-linking and proper trimming, ESBM could be produced rapidly. Different concentrations of NaAlg and CaCl2were used to produce ESBM, and mechanical property tests were conducted to confirm the optimal material concentration for making the branched structures. Cell media could be injected into the branched channel, which showed a good perfusion. Fibroblasts were able to maintain high viability after being cultured for a few days, which verified the non-cytotoxicity of the gelation and fabrication process. Thus, hollow hydrogel fibers were proved to be a potential method for fabricating micro-channels for vascularization.
authors.affiliation: Rapid Manufacturing Engineering Center, Shanghai University , Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Shuai
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8420-661X
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yuanyuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Rapid Manufacturing Engineering Center, Shanghai University , Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Rapid Manufacturing Engineering Center, Shanghai University , Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Change
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Rapid Manufacturing Engineering Center, Shanghai University , Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yuanshao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Qingxi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Hu