3D Structural Patterns in Scalable, Elastomeric Scaffolds Guide Engineered Tissue Architecture

摘要

Mammalian tissue is a complex three-dimensional (3D) environment of cells and extracellular matrix in which structural order can be found over different length scales. Particularly for tissues and organs whose function depends on the alignment and directionality of cells and larger multicellular structures, control over architectural patterns and mechanical anisotropy are critical in developing functional tissue for regenerative medicine applications. In this work, we describe an approach to bridge the gap between the wealth of information and progress that has been made in controlling cell orientation on two-dimensional (2D) patterns and the less-characterized effects of 3D structural cues in scaled-up tissue constructs. We developed a semiautomated layer-by-layer assembly method, using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication and packaging technologies, to assemble planar elastomer sheets with through-pores into multilayered scaffolds with tunable 3D structural patterns.