Omnidirectional Printing of 3D Microvascular Networks

Abstract

3D biomimetic microvascular networks of nearly arbitrary design are patterned by omnidirectional printing of a fugitive organic ink into a photopolymerizable hydrogel matrix. This novel approach hinges critically on tailoring the chemical and rheological properties of the fugitive ink as well as the photopolymerizable hydrogel reservoir and fluid filler. These hydrogel-based, microvascular constructs may find potential application in 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, organ modeling, and autonomic healing. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.