Scientists have developed a revolutionary technique called Embedded Extrusion Volumetric Printing. This technique overcomes challenges in bioprinting and create physiologically-relevant models. EmVP has been used to create models of intercellular communication inspired by synthetic biological techniques as a proof-of concept. The research team has published its findings in Advanced Materials.
EmVP: A novel technique for bioprinting complex structures
The EmVP technique combines extrusion-bioprinting and layer-less, ultra-fast volumetric bioprinting, allowing the spatial arrangement of multiple inks or cell types. This method is a breakthrough in the field of bioprinting, as it allows for the spatial arrangement of multiple cell types or inks.
EmVP, developed by a team of international researchers from Utrecht University and other institutions, has the potential to revolutionise medical research and bioprinting. The technique was successfully used to create intercellular communication models inspired by synthetic biology. This opened up new opportunities for the production of regenerative grafts and engineered living systems.
EmVP’s potential in medical research: Parkinson’s disease
The thesis of Dieuwke de Vos, a researcher involved in EmVP, demonstrates how the EmVP method can be used to create an in vitro neural network model. De Vos and her team used suspended extrusion-based bioprinting to establish a 3D in vitro model of a neural network for studying Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects an increasing number of people worldwide and causes central nervous system cells to malfunction, resulting in tremors, stiffness, balancing issues, and rigidity.
Traditional models for studying Parkinson’s disease include simplified 2D models and animal models, both of which have limitations in replicating human disease. The EmVP technique allows for the printing of 3D human brain tissue for studying Parkinson’s disease, providing a more accurate representation of the affected tissue and offering new opportunities for drug testing and personalised medicine applications.
EmVP: bioresins and microgels.
To develop the EmVP technique, the research team created light-responsive microgels to be used as bioresins (µResins) for light-based volumetric bioprinting. These µResins provide a microporous environment for cell homing and self-organisation, enhancing the differentiation of multiple stem/progenitor cells, including vascular, mesenchymal, and neural cells.
The researchers tuned the mechanical and optic properties of microparticles made from gelatin to be used as support baths for suspended extrusion. This process involves the printing of bioinks that contain living cells onto a support bath. This prevents the collapse and maintains cell positioning. EmVP allows rapid creation of features with multiple inks, including different cell types. This technique offers advantages over traditional bioprinting.
EmVP and bioprinting: Future perspectives
The introduction of Embedded Extrusion Volumetric Printing, or EmVP, marks a significant advance in bioprinting. It allows for the creation complex 3D structure with multiple cell types and inks. The potential of this technique to produce regenerative grafts that have biological functionality, as well as develop engineered living systems (metabolic disease models) and regenerative grafts that are functional with biochemistry opens up new opportunities for medical research.
As EmVP continues to be refined and applied to various research areas, its impact on the study of diseases like Parkinson’s and the development of personalised medicine is expected to grow. The technique’s ability to create physiologically-relevant models may lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating various medical conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.