How Is It Possible to Mimic the 3D Complexity of a Natural Tissue?
Giovanni Vozzi,
Associate Professor,
University of Pisa
A biological tissue is a composite material with “bottom-up” hierarchical structure that is closely related to its heterogeneous function. The extracellular matrix modulates biochemical and biophysical signalling, and its rigidity is an important micro-environmental parameter that regulates the spatiotemporal dynamics of intercellular signalling. For this reason, many studies are focused on fabricating scaffolds processed at multiple scales with structural and mechanical properties that are optimal for eliciting specific response or mimic those found naturally. These scaffolds have to present large surface areas that have appropriate topology and biochemical cues (e.g. ligands) at the nanoscale for tissue adhesion, while also exhibiting integral porosity to allow for the exchange of molecules that maintain cellular function. In this talk, the use of multiscale and multimaterial processes will be presented to develop 3D in vitro models of bone that can mimic the 3D complexity of natural tissue, with applications in the study of physio-pathological conditions and for the analysis of effects of different biomolecules and/or drugs on cell activities. The combination of different natural and synthetic biomaterials, also in form of hydrogels and as suspension of bioactive glasses, processed with several bio-printheads in order to mimic the multiscale topology of natural tissue will be presented. The biomimicry of biochemical cues, given by appropriate growth factors, and the modulation of mechanical properties will demonstrated. Limitations and opportunities of these in vitro models will be discussed.
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