Abstract

Development of a Cross-Linking Agent and a System to Improve the Shape Accuracy in Bioprinting of Vascular Structures

Tomohiro Morita, Student, Tokyo University of Science

For accurate fabrication of a vascular structure by 3D gel printing, it is necessary to increase in the solidification rate of gel so that the gel can maintain its shape as it is printed. In this study, we developed a novel 3D gel printing system with a new cross-linking agent which enables solidification of alginic acid-based sol immediately after its mounting onto a targeted point. We proposed a new CaCl2-based cross-linking agent by mixing with agar which has high coagulation. Also, we installed two syringes filled with the cross-linking agent as they sandwich a syringe filled with alginic acid-based sol. Both the cross-linking agent and alginic acid-based sol are quantitatively discharged from the top of the device, enabling to add the cross-linking agent to both side of the objects at the same time. After the molding experiments of 200 layers and 300 layers of the vascular structures with changing concentration of agar in the cross-linking agent, the shape accuracy was evaluated from the following viewpoints; (i) inner radius, (ii) outer radius, (iii) thickness, (iv) aspect ratio.