Abstract

Bioprinting and Stem Cells for Engineering Human Tissues

Jinah Jang, Assistant Professor, POSTECH

Engineered tissues with intrinsic geometry and appropriate cellular organization can produce high functional outcomes. Although the use of various micro-fabrication technologies for recapitulating tissue constructs has received considerable attention, the technical and operational capabilities in resembling native 3D tissue architecture remain to be overcome. In this sense, 3D printing technology is considered a useful technology with which to facilitate the construction of biomaterials and cells in desired organizations and shapes that have physiologically relevant geometry, complexity, and micro-environmental cues. The selection of biomaterial is the most critical part in this technology; yet, their cellular affinity has rarely been considered in the context of cell printing logistics. In this talk, I will introduce an advanced bioink, which made up with decellularized tissue extracellular matrix (dECM). The material is capable of providing an optimized microenvironment conducive to the growth and function of 3D engineered tissues. As a translational application, we demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell-laden 3D engineered tissues, which can deliver cardiac stem cells with higher biological activity for the treatment of ischemic diseases.