Multi-photon microfabrication of three-dimensional capillary-scale vascular networks

Mark A. Skylar-Scott; Man-Chi Liu; Yuelong Wu; Mehmet Fatih Yanik

doi:10.1117/12.2253520

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28 April 2017 Multi-photon microfabrication of three-dimensional capillary-scale vascular networks

Mark A. Skylar-Scott, Man-Chi Liu, Yuelong Wu, Mehmet Fatih Yanik

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Proceedings Volume 10115, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics X; 101150L (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2253520
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Biomimetic models of microvasculature could enable assays of complex cellular behavior at the capillary-level, and enable efficient nutrient perfusion for the maintenance of tissues. However, existing three-dimensional printing methods for generating perfusable microvasculature with have insufficient resolution to recapitulate the microscale geometry of capillaries. Here, we present a collection of multiphoton microfabrication methods that enable the production of precise, three-dimensional, branched microvascular networks in collagen. When endothelial cells are added to the channels, they form perfusable lumens with diameters as small as 10 μm. Using a similar photochemistry, we also demonstrate the micropatterning of proteins embedded in microfabricated collagen scaffolds, producing hybrid scaffolds with both defined microarchitecture with integrated gradients of chemical cues. We provide examples for how these hybrid microfabricated scaffolds could be used in angiogenesis and cell homing assays. Finally, we describe a new method for increasing the micropatterning speed by synchronous laser and stage scanning. Using these technologies, we are working towards large-scale (>1 cm), high resolution (~1 μm) scaffolds with both microarchitecture and embedded protein cues, with applications in three-dimensional assays of cellular behavior.

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Mark A. Skylar-Scott, Man-Chi Liu, Yuelong Wu, and Mehmet Fatih Yanik "Multi-photon microfabrication of three-dimensional capillary-scale vascular networks", Proc. SPIE 10115, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics X, 101150L (28 April 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2253520

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