Xia C.-G., Fang N.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US
Keywords: 3D microfabrication, bioreactor, microvessels
We present here an innovative three dimensional microfabrication technology that will serve as a vehicle to enable vascularized bioreactors for in vitro tissue culture. The core of our microfabrication technology is a high-resolution projection micro stereo lithography (PuSL) using a spatial light modulator as the dynamic mask. This unique technology provides a parallel fabrication of highly complex 3D microstructures. In this work, a set of poly anhydride and poly(ethylene glycol) bioreactors are demonstrated with PuSL technology. The precisely controlled vessel density (>100/mm2) in the polymer matrix and enhanced transport of nutrient and oxygen through advection represent the key advantages of the microfabricated bioreactors to the traditional foam based scaffolds.
Further developments of this 3D microfabricated bioreactors are expected to have direct impact on applications such as analyte controlled and modulated drug and protein delivery, drug targeting, tissue engineering, and micro- or nano-devices.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 140 - 143
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 0-9767985-7-3