Fabrication of viable tissue-engineered constructs with 3D cell-assembly technique.

We have recently developed an organ manufacturing technique that enables us to form cell/biomaterial complex three-dimensional (3D) architectures in designed patterns. This technique employs a highly accurate 3D micropositioning system with a pressue-controlled syringe to deposit cell/biomaterial structures with a lateral resolution of 10 microm. The pressure-activated micro-syringe is equipped with a fine-bore exit needle using which a wide variety of 3D patterns with different arrays of channels (through-holes) were created. The channels can supply living cells with nutrients and allow removing the cell metabolites. The embedded cells remain viable and perform biological functions as long as the 3D structures are retained. The new technology has the potential for eventual high-throughput production of artificial human tissues and organs.