A strategy for depositing different types of cells in three dimensions to mimic tubular structures in tissues.

The fabrication of tubular structures, with multiple cell types forming different layers of the tube walls, is described using a stress-induced rolling membrane (SIRM). Cell orientation inside the tubes can also be controlled by topographical contact guidance. These layered tubes precisely mimic blood vessels and many other tubular structures, suggesting that they may be of great use in tissue engineering.