Electrowetting based multi-microfluidics array printing of high resolution tissue construct with embedded cells and growth factors
To overcome limitations of current tissue fabrication methods, explore new biocompatible materials, and develop new biomimetic manufacturing process for soft tissue, we are conducting a new technology, electrowetting based microfluidics array printing, which will be used in a Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) system to meet the challenges of high resolution (less than 10 μm) manufacture of hydrogel scaffolds, cell placement, growth factor delivery, and vascularization for soft tissue engineering. These process capabilities will be demonstrated on model tissue constructs having oriented microstructure to match the multilayer fibrous structure of myocardium, and microvasculature to promote rapid development of vascularized tissue at implantation. Some work has been done on the biomaterials research, electrowetting printing, biomimetic modeling, scaffold fabrication, and system integration and control. This research is the first application of electrowetting on dielectric to tissue engineering and dispensing hydrogels. © 2008 Taylor & Francis Group.
