Abstract

Nano to Microscale Engineering and Bioprinting of Vascularized and Innervated Bone-Like Microenvironments

Luiz Bertassoni, Assistant Professor, Oregon Health & Science University

Bone tissue, by definition, is an organic-inorganic nanocomposite, where metabolically active cells are embedded three-dimensionally within a matrix material that is heavily calcified on the nanoscale. While the field of cell biology has evolved to culture cells three-dimensionally embedded in soft hydrogels, currently there are no strategies that replicate these definitive characteristics of bone tissue. Here, we describe a series of biomimetic approaches to mimic the 3D microenvironment of human bone. We discuss recently reported methods that we developed to encapsulate stem cells, vascular capillaries and nerve fibers within high density nanoscale mineralized materials that are inherently osteogenic. We also discuss digital light processing bioprinting strategies to mimic the structure, composition and function of the bone matrix. Ultimately, these approaches enable fabrication of bone-like tissue models with high levels of biomimicry with broad implications for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative engineering.