3D Bioplotter Research Papers

The realization of a fully bioengineered, functional corneal tissue is challenging. The development of full-thickness corneal models requires appropriate material fabrication methods as well as cell culture protocols. Here we describe the construction of a full-thickness corneal model (FCM) using electro-compacted (EC) collagen films. EC collagen films support primary human corneal epithelial cell (hCEpiC) stratification, guide primary human corneal stromal cell (hCSC) orientation and maintain primary human corneal endothelial cell (hCEndC) growth and confluence. Using fibrinogen as a tissue adhesive we assembled all three layers to produce a full-thickness corneal construct with structural integrity. Importantly, the FCM is highly transparent…

Engineering substantia propria (or stroma of cornea) that mimics the function and anatomy of natural tissue is vital for in vitro modelling and in vivo regeneration. There are, however, few examples of bioengineered biomimetic corneal stroma. Here we describe the construction of an orthogonally oriented 3D corneal stroma model (3D-CSM) using pure electro-compacted collagen (EC). EC films comprise aligned collagen fibrils and support primary human corneal stromal cells (hCSCs). Cell-laden constructs are analogous to the anatomical structure of native human cornea. The hCSCs are guided by the topographical cues provided by the aligned collagen fibrils of the EC films. Importantly,…